Topics in Education Studies

Detailed study of theoretical and policy topics and issues related to education studies. May be repeated for credit with different topics. May not be taken pass/fail.

Current Semester Information

390A: Tps:Education Law

Tps:Education Law

This course looks at the role of law in education. We will look at civil rights and civil liberties in schools (e.g., free speech, free exercise of religion), the role of the federal government in various education policy initiatives, state and local regulations, and liability issues for schools. Throughout the course, we will critically analyze how various laws, policies, and practices may advantage and/or disadvantage particular students; whether rights-protecting laws are effective; the role of the judiciary in education; and whether the theory of education as the great equalizer has merit.

390B: Tps:HighPerformngSchools

Tps: Developing High-Performing Schools

What is a "high-performing" school? What are the characteristics, indicators and benchmarks of such a school? In what ways is such a school structured, organized and led? What is the nature of curricular and instructional practices; what do teaching and learning "look like?" Why are some schools high-performing while others lag behind? In short, how do such schools do what they do, and what may be learned from them? An exploration of the answers to these overarching questions frame the course.