In the last several years, state policymakers have enacted a dizzying array of new policies on education issues ranging from assessment and accountability to cursive-handwriting and citizenship exams.
Within states, education policy-making isn’t led by one person or entity, but many — state legislatures, state education agencies, state and local boards of education, the governor, and sometimes by voter referendum. With all of the different players, issues, and politics involved, it can get very complex, very quickly. Having a baseline of key information and a clear theory of change can help.
This summer, Aspen worked with the Education Commission of the States, educators, advocates, and policymakers to co-develop a simple checklist to help policymakers and advocates more thoughtfully and explicitly articulate a process and theory of change for education policy initiatives. Released in collaboration with the Council of Chief State School Officers and the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, this new checklist offers a clear framework for state policymakers, advocates and education support organizations to aid the development of new education policies and help make sure that the next policy endeavor is set up for success. It guides policymakers through processes such as identifying root causes, conducting an impact analysis, developing an implementation plan, doing a cost/benefit analysis, and designing indicators of progress.
For more information, view the checklist.
