Syllabus
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
EDU 806: Policy Analysis (Fall B 2023)
Credits - 3
Description
Students will be introduced to the importance of analyzing existing policies and revising or developing new ones where policies do not currently exist. Collaboration of multiple stakeholders will be reinforced, as will the implementation of the policy and how it will be put into practice using well-constructed procedures. The power of continuous review and analysis will also be explored.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
- Describe relevant policy-making process from the perspectives of global, federal, state, local and workplace levels.
- Critique and take action on a proposed federal or state policy relevant to your site leadership
- Analyze major policies that have had a significant effect on society and the political landscape.
- Identify relevant research and integrate these resources for case study analyses and for the final policy brief.
- Design and deliver an effective plan for addressing change related to a current workplace policy.
- Implement the eight fold path process for policy analysis.
- Evaluate the outcomes of policies on individuals and groups within society and the workplace.
Assignments
Analysis of FMLA and ACA Policies
Using the eight-step process, students will submit an analysis of the above policies in weeks 4 and 5. This paper should be no more than 8 pages, plus an additional reference page and a title page (APA format). Refer to the rubric and full assignment prompt in the course.
Policy Brief
In week 7 you will select a workplace policy that you would like to write about and analyze. Using the Bardach 8-step process, provide a comprehensive analysis of this policy that is 10-15 pages. Include an executive summary and introduction, an overview of the existing policy (describe when it was written, what is it, who does it impact, and other details), the 8-step process, and a conclusion. Refer to the rubric and full assignment prompt in the course.
Workplace Policy Presentation
You will create a presentation based on your workplace policy brief essay, where you present a compelling argument for your point of view. Refer to the rubric and full assignment prompt in the course.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment | Points |
|---|---|
| Class Discussions (3 @ 3 pts.; 1 @ 2 pts.) | 11 |
| Group Discussions (3 @ 3 pts.) | 9 |
| Analysis of FMLA Policy | 15 |
| Analysis of ACA Policy | 15 |
| Policy Brief | 40 |
| Workplace Policy Presentation | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100 POINTS |
Grading
The criteria for all courses in the Ed. D. program are described in the modules and/or rubrics. Assignments will include guidelines with rubrics, descriptions of expectations, or examples, and include point values. Coursework will be assessed and graded using individual evaluation protocols that are provided for the three major assignments. Final “grades” will reflect the following schema:
- High Pass (HP): Work that exceeds all or most of the criteria of the respective assignment. To receive a high pass the work must demonstrate exceptional command and display of all or most required elements;
- Pass (P): Work that meets all requirements and expectations as specified in assignments, and is fully satisfactory in every respect;
- Low Pass (LP): Work is deemed unsatisfactory.
Note** The instructor will determine if an assignment may be revised and resubmitted for rescoring. Candidates may proceed to subsequent courses in the curriculum with one LP grade, and although there is no failing grade, a second LP course grade results in termination from the doctoral program.
All assignments are to be completed in a timely manner with appropriate accuracy, detail, thought, and reflection fitting of doctoral-level degree candidates. All assignments (done in writing or with other media applications) are graded on the basis of faculty assessment of your ability to accurately apply concepts from readings, organization, and mechanics. Please note that you must save all submitted documents in Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint in order for them to transmit successfully. All work must be properly identified and include author(s)’ name(s). Submit all written work in APA style.
Schedule
Week 1: Oct 25 – Oct 29
Week 2: Oct 30 – Nov 5
Week 3: Nov 6 – Nov 12
Week 4: Nov 13 – Nov 19
Week 5: Nov 20 – Nov 26
Week 6: Nov 27 – Dec 3
Week 7: Dec 4 – Dec 10
Week 8: Dec 11 – Dec 17
| Week | Topic | Activities & Assignments | Dates |
|
1
|
Introduction to Policy | Class Discussion Post and Responses |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET *Post your initial response to the discussion board by FRIDAY. |
|
2
|
The Legislative Process | Class Discussion Post and Responses |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET *Post your initial response to the discussion board by WEDNESDAY. |
|
3
|
Workplace Policies | Class Discussion Post and Responses |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET *Post your initial response to the discussion board by WEDNESDAY. |
|
4
|
Case Study: The Family and Medical Leave Act |
Group Discussion Post and Responses FMLA Policy Analysis Paper |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET *Post your initial response to the discussion board by WEDNESDAY. |
|
5
|
Case Study: The Affordable Care Act |
Group Discussion Post and Responses ACA Policy Analysis Paper |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET *Post your initial response to the discussion board by WEDNESDAY. |
|
6
|
Policy Analysis: The Policy Brief |
Group Discussion Post and Responses Start working on Workplace Policy Brief Essay |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET *Post your initial response to the discussion board by WEDNESDAY. |
|
7
|
The Uses of Policy: Creating Workplace Change |
Class Discussion Post and Responses Workplace Policy Brief Essay |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET *Post your policy paper and initial response to the discussion board by FRIDAY. |
|
8
|
Presentations | Workplace Policy Presentation | Due: FRIDAY by 11:59 p.m. ET |
Student Resources
Online Student Support
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Information Technology Services (ITS)
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Policies
AI Use
The Graduate Programs in Education holds the position that Grammarly and other AI writing and generative technology should not be used when completing course assignments, unless explicitly permitted by course faculty and assignment instructions. These tools do not support a student’s personal and direct capacity to develop and hone skills in creativity, logic, critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, theorization, and writing, which are central to graduate-level rigor, assessment, and research. Use of these tools when not explicitly permitted may result in an academic integrity infraction.
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs
Course Evaluation Policy
Course surveys are one of the most important tools the University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Late Policy
Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.