Assumptions of an Economic Model Driving Educational Policy Making A school’s mission is fundamentally an economic one—student achievement is the product Competition—between individuals or between companies or countries—is the best way to achieve this mission Schools have a direct affect on the economy

Education can and should be valued in quantifiable terms— PSSA scores, grades, PSAT and SAT scores—terms set by the marketplace or some other force in education such as Federal or State policies

Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Model Three conditions must be present for policy to be supported and put into practice:

1.An issue must be defined as a “problem”. Someone has to see the issue as deserving attention; 2. Alternative ways of addressing the issue have to exist; 3. Politicians must see it as in their interest to address the issue.

Problem definition is key to the model We have defined our economic problems as work force problems not as problems of capitalism, so rather than solve the huge problems of pollution, exploitation of our natural resources and people, poverty, etc., we blame schools and the people in them

What if we believed that schools should promote human development, welfare, and happiness?

Another model of reform: Reduce the administrative hierarchy Transform structure and purpose of central staff to a small strategic staff Reduce the size of schools to students Make school relatively autonomous Provide opportunities for schools of choice Encourage internal flexibility Introduce reforms such as self-assessment and action research