IN THE CLASSROOM: “Politics of Policymaking”

Course title: “Politics of Policymaking”
Taught by: Assistant Professor Ericka Weathers

Course description:
This class introduces students to the role of politics and public policy in K–12 education. Students learn to understand the stages of the policymaking process, the models and frameworks of policymaking, the dynamics of the individuals and groups involved in the process, and how to apply policy frameworks and theory to current political issues in education.

Says Weathers:
Education policy doesn’t emerge in a vacuum, it is shaped by politics, and politics is fundamentally about power. I teach this course because improving education policy in pursuit of equity requires understanding how that power operates: who holds it, whose voices shape decisions, and how problems and solutions are defined and put into law. My hope is that students leave the course fluent in the language of policymaking, able to critically analyze education policy, and prepared to be part of the collective effort to address the challenges facing K–12 education.

Students’ reactions:
“It’s a critical course in understanding the stages of the policymaking process and the role of politics and public policy in K–-12 education,” said Dylan Van Duyne, a doctoral student from the Education Policy program. “The course also includes an opportunity to put together a policy proposal throughout the course of the semester, which is a great experience for anyone considering a career in education policy.”

"What I have most enjoyed about this course is the opportunity to go beyond simply reading about and understanding policy models and frameworks.” says Lucero Diaz Ortiz, a graduate student in the Education Policy program. “The varied perspectives and backgrounds of my classmates have allowed us to engage in meaningful conversations that challenge our thinking as academics and members of society. As a former educator, this has allowed me to see the interconnectedness of policies in K–12 and their effects on society. I can confidently say this course has inspired me to become an advocate for community empowerment and engagement in political and educational activism.”

“This course has been meaningful because it critically examines how policy is shaped, interpreted, and implemented,” said Elspeth Grasso, a graduate student from the Education Policy program. “Dr. Weathers encourages us to develop our own perspectives and connect our learning to the current political landscape. The class discussions have been among the most impactful parts of the experience, helping us develop a deeper understanding of how policy both reflects and influences society. It has shaped me as an emerging researcher by strengthening the way I think about the relationship between policy, practice, and the communities those decisions ultimately affect.”