Critical Issues in Urban Education from Coursera

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Syllabus

American Public Education: Critical Issues & Historical Context

As we launch the course, we will explore the history of public schooling and school reform in the United States. The approach to public education in the United States is unique, with governance, quality, and approach residing at the state and local level. As a result, efforts to improve and reform public schools in the United States are complex. Together, we will unpack these critical foundational characteristics of American public schooling, and explore the ways in which these contextual factors influence topics explored throughout the course.

The No Child Left Behind Act

This week, we will examine federal strategies to improve public schooling, beginning with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). NCLB is the 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Enacted during the presidency of George W Bush, NCLB emphasized accountability, choice and flexibility. Discussion of the goals and intentions of NCLB will naturally lead us to consider the controversies around federal involvement in public education given the nature of the locally controlled approach to the American system. We will explore divergent opinions about NCLB theory of action and effectiveness.

The Common Core State Standards

As we continue our exploration of federal involvement in public education, we will discuss the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the creation of a shared set of common standards and assessments for public education. We will examine the history of the creation of standards in the United States, revealing the fact that the concept of standards has been evident for decades. What can we learn from this history? How is the Common Core like or not like these previous efforts? We will consider the goals and intentions behind the Common Core, as well as the divergent opinions about its effectiveness.

Interlude 1: Interview and Panel Discussion on NCLB and CCSS

We had the pleasure of interviewing several experts in the education space from around Chicago and the Urban Education Institute. Listen as they discuss topics surrounding NCLB and CCSS. They will have a variety of perspectives from that of a researcher to a practitioner. Which do you identify with? Did any of the participants resonate with you?

Summarizing Debates around School Choice

School choice includes a set of practices and policies that aim to provide new educational options for students, to improve individual, school and school system outcomes. The concept on the surface sounds simple and logical and yet school choice is complex in implementation and has sparked much debate. What are the reasons for this controversy? Together, we will examine the history, types of school choice, the debates about effectiveness, and the ways in which this theory of action has become highly politicized and controversial.

Charter Schools

This week, we will focus our attention on charter schools. We will explore the history of charter schools in the United States, examining fundamental questions about their theory of action and effectiveness. In these lectures, we will gain critical knowledge about how charter schools came to be, whether they are effective, and why they are so controversial.

Interlude 2: Interview and Panel Discussion on School Choice and Charter Schools

We had the pleasure of interviewing several experts in the education space from around Chicago and the Urban Education Institute. Listen as they discuss issues surrounding School Choice and Charter Schools. They will have a variety of perspectives from that of a researcher to a practitioner. Which do you identify with? Did any of the participants resonate with you?

School Accountability: History, Theory of Action, Policy

The idea of accountability, or holding students, teachers, schools and school districts responsible for school performance, has become a key focus for practitioners, policy makers, and citizens. Why did the concept of accountability emerge and why has it become so central, so controversial? This week, we will learn about the concept of accountability in schools, which emerged in the United States in the 1990s. We will examine the history of the accountability, and the many forms this idea has taken. In doing so, we will consider pressing questions about how we ensure high quality schooling while not making accountability an ends in itself.

Teacher Effectiveness and Evaluation

This week, we will dig more deeply into the concept of accountability, by examining teacher effectiveness and evaluation. In the process, we will learn about efforts to define and measure teacher effectiveness, and the push nationally to integrate teacher evaluation into individual teacher, school, school system and state accountability systems.

Conclusion and Final Assignment

In the last week, we interviewed several experts in the education space from around Chicago and the Urban Education Institute on their view of accountability. As a summary of your learning in this class, we ask you to write a short response paper.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops an informed historical perspective about public schooling in the United States, which is standard in education

Taught by Sara Ray Stoelinga, who are recognized for their work in the topic that the course teaches

Teaches understanding of the unique contextual elements of the American approach to public schooling, which is valuable in understanding American education

Examines the No Child Left Behind Act, which is highly relevant to education reform in the US

Explores the Common Core State Standards, which is highly relevant to education reform in the US

Analyzes divergent viewpoints about American public school history and school reform policy, which helps learners develop critical thinking skills

Reviews summary

Critical issues in urban education

Learners say this well-received course largely positive reviews, calling it excellent and very good. This course provides engaging lectures, panel discussions, and readings that provide an in-depth examination of the challenges that face educators and administrators in urban school districts. Students with prior knowledge of education or related fields may find this course to be an excellent way to reinforce their understanding of school reform and related topics.

Professor gives great lectures and insights.

"I enjoyed the course very much! Professor Stoelinga gave us great factual information as well as informative lectures."

"She also provided excellent panel discussions that gave us great insight."

Very in-depth exploration of issues and solutions.

"Thorough coverage of various topics related to school reform."

"A great introduction to this subject for me."

"I really appreciated the effort which went into getting together an expert panel, whose members shared their complex opinions in a heartfelt respectful manner."

More individual feedback and quicker grading would enhance the course.

"As with all of the courses I have taken through Coursera, individual universities should be more actively involved with "grading" and feedback for individual students inquiries.... potential to ask questions, etc."

Lectures could be more up-to-date.

"This class needs updated videos to address the issues in current times and the progress that has or hasn't been occurred through the research and applications of the featured speakers."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Critical Issues in Urban Education with these activities:

Read 'The Constitution of the United States'

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Review the foundational legal document of the United States to enhance your understanding of the structure and principles of American government.

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Read the text of the Constitution.
Identify the key provisions and principles of the Constitution.
Discuss the Constitution with classmates or colleagues.

Explore Legal Databases

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Familiarize yourself with legal databases and online resources to enhance your research skills and access to legal information.

Browse courses on Legal Research

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Identify relevant legal databases.
Explore the features and search functions of these databases.
Practice conducting legal research using these databases.

Compile Legal Resources

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Organize and review relevant legal resources to ensure you have easy access to necessary information throughout the course.

Browse courses on Legal Research

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Identify the legal topics you need to research.
Search for and gather relevant legal resources.
Organize the resources in a logical and accessible manner.

11 other activities

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Analyze Legal Cases

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Review judicial opinions and identify key legal principles to refresh your understanding of foundational legal concepts.

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Read the assigned court opinion.
Identify the material facts of the case, legal principles discussed, and the court's holding.
Summarize the key points of the case.
Discuss the case with classmates or colleagues.

Explore online resources and platforms for researching educational policies and practices

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Become familiar with a variety of resources and tools for staying up-to-date on the latest educational research and best practices.

Browse courses on Educational Policy

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Identify reputable online sources of educational research and policy analysis.
Explore different platforms and tools for accessing educational resources, such as databases, search engines, and online discussion forums.
Evaluate the credibility and relevance of information found online.

Develop a Case Brief Template

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Create a standardized case brief template to improve your efficiency and consistency in analyzing and summarizing legal cases.

Browse courses on Legal Analysis

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Review existing case brief templates.
Identify the key elements of a case brief.
Design your own case brief template.
Use your template to brief several cases.

Review The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America

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Understand the historical context of public education in the United States and the ongoing challenges faced by urban school systems.

View The Shame of the Nation on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 to gain an overview of the book's main arguments.
Identify key themes and concepts related to school reform and educational inequality.
Summarize the author's main arguments and provide examples from the text.

Create a visual representation of the history of American public education

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Develop a deeper understanding of the evolution of public education in the United States and its impact on urban schools.

Browse courses on History of Education

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Research key milestones and events in the history of American public education.
Choose a visual format, such as a timeline, infographic, or diagram.
Design and create the visual representation, highlighting important trends and developments.

Draft Legal Memoranda

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Draft legal memoranda to practice applying legal principles to specific factual scenarios and hone your writing skills.

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Review the relevant legal authorities.
Analyze the facts of the given scenario.
Apply the relevant legal principles to the facts.
Write a draft legal memorandum.
Seek feedback and revise the memorandum.

Engage in discussions with peers on current issues and debates in urban school reform

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Gain diverse perspectives and exchange ideas with fellow students, deepening your understanding of complex issues in urban education.

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Identify discussion topics related to urban school reform.
Participate in online or in-person discussions, actively listening and sharing perspectives.
Summarize key points and insights from the discussions.

Analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful school reform initiatives

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Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of different school reform strategies.

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Identify and gather case studies of both successful and unsuccessful school reform initiatives.
Analyze each case study, identifying key factors that contributed to success or failure.
Compare and contrast the different cases, drawing insights about effective school reform practices.

Develop a policy brief on a specific aspect of school choice or accountability

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Apply your knowledge of school reform strategies and develop practical recommendations for policymakers.

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Choose a specific issue within the realm of school choice or accountability.
Research the issue, gather data, and analyze the evidence.
Develop policy recommendations based on your findings.
Write a concise and persuasive policy brief that outlines your recommendations.

Analyze a Current Legal Issue

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Research and analyze a pressing legal issue to apply course concepts to a real-world scenario and deepen your understanding.

Browse courses on Legal Analysis

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Select a current legal issue that interests you.
Conduct in-depth research on the legal and factual aspects of the issue.
Develop a thesis statement and outline for your analysis.
Write a comprehensive legal analysis paper.
Present your analysis to classmates or colleagues.

Contribute to Open Legal Projects

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Engage with open source legal projects to apply your knowledge, contribute to the legal community, and gain practical experience.

Browse courses on Legal Innovation

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Identify open source legal projects that align with your interests.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Contribute to the project by fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation.
Collaborate with other contributors and project maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete Critical Issues in Urban Education will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Education Policy Analyst

An Education Policy Analyst analyzes and evaluates education policies. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. The course also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for an Education Policy Analyst who needs to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

Education Consultant

An Education Consultant provides advice and support to schools and other educational organizations. This course can be helpful for an Education Consultant by providing an understanding of the critical issues in urban education. The course also explores different perspectives on school reform and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for an Education Consultant who needs to be able to advise clients on a variety of educational issues.

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Education Researcher

An Education Researcher conducts research on education policy and practice. This course can be helpful for an Education Researcher by providing a foundation in the history of public education and school reform in the United States. The course also explores different perspectives on school reform and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for an Education Researcher who needs to be able to design and conduct research studies on educational issues.

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School Administrator

A School Administrator manages a school or school district. This course can be helpful for a School Administrator by providing an understanding of the critical issues in urban education. The course also explores different perspectives on school reform and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for a School Administrator who needs to be able to make decisions about school policy and practice.

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Teacher

A Teacher teaches students in a school or other educational setting. This course can be helpful for a Teacher by providing an understanding of the critical issues in urban education. The course also explores different perspectives on school reform and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for a Teacher who needs to be able to create and implement effective lesson plans.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst analyzes and evaluates policies. This course may be useful for a Policy Analyst who wants to specialize in education policy. The course provides an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. It also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for a Policy Analyst who needs to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Program Manager

A Program Manager manages programs and projects. This course may be useful for a Program Manager who wants to work in the field of education. The course provides an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. It also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for a Program Manager who needs to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

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Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager manages a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful for a Nonprofit Manager who wants to work in the field of education. The course provides an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. It also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for a Nonprofit Manager who needs to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

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Education Advocate

An Education Advocate advocates for the rights of students and families. This course may be useful for an Education Advocate who wants to learn more about the history of public education and school reform in the United States. The course also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for an Education Advocate who needs to be able to advocate for policies that improve the quality of education for all students.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker provides social services to individuals and families. This course may be useful for a Social Worker who wants to work with children and families in an educational setting. The course provides an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. It also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for a Social Worker who needs to be able to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

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Urban Planner

An Urban Planner plans and develops urban areas. This course may be useful for an Urban Planner who wants to specialize in education planning. The course provides an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. It also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for an Urban Planner who needs to be able to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

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Journalist

A Journalist writes and reports news stories. This course may be useful for a Journalist who wants to specialize in education reporting. The course provides an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. It also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for a Journalist who needs to be able to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer provides legal advice and representation to clients. This course may be useful for a Lawyer who wants to specialize in education law. The course provides an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. It also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for a Lawyer who needs to be able to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

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Politician

A Politician runs for office and serves in government. This course may be useful for a Politician who wants to specialize in education policy. The course provides an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. It also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for a Politician who needs to be able to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

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Economist

An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be useful for an Economist who wants to specialize in education economics. The course provides an overview of the history of public education and school reform in the United States. It also explores federal strategies in school reform, school choice, and accountability. This knowledge can be helpful for an Economist who needs to be able to understand the context of education policy and the different perspectives on school reform.

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