Law, Education and Policy Colloquium

Professor Paulette Cauldwell

Fall 2013
Thursdays, 4:00-6:50 p.m.
Furman Hall, Room 330 

Course Code: LAW-LW.11773.001
3 Credits

This seminar explores the relationship among law, politics, and educational policy in the history and development of public elementary and secondary education. An overarching theme considers the role of education in furthering the civil rights and economic interests of vulnerable groups and individuals. The course considers the value of a legalization model in setting education policy; changes in the definition of educational equality and reasons for the limited success of major reform efforts to bring it about; the role of governance structures, such as mayoral control and the increasing involvement of the federal government, in defining and delivering educational equality; and the mechanisms for developing collaborative relationships among lawyers, educators, and other policymakers and stakeholders. Major attention will be given to reform efforts and best practices focusing on universal access to pre-school education, school discipline, access to gifted and talented programs, the school-to-prison pipeline, assessment of students and teachers, and the role of scientifically based research in setting education policy. Educational policies from other nations will also be considered. Designated sessions may be co-led by scholars, education practitioners, or other policymakers.