ILRHR 6601 - Research on Education Reform and Human Resource Policy

Fall or spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

J. Bishop.

State and local efforts to improve K-12 education are employing a variety of (sometimes contradictory) reform strategies. This research seminar critically examines the case that is made for (and against) each of the major reform proposals and review studies that provide objective evidence on their effectiveness. The education reform strategies examined include vouchers, charter schools, small schools, career academies, extending the school day and year, better preparation and selection of new teachers, better professional development, ending tenure, merit pay, state standards and school accountability, ending social promotion, and externally set end-of-course examinations.