Policy Analysis Lam Ho Yung Oregon State University ✓ Solved

POLICY ANALYSIS Policy Analysis Lam Ho Yung Oregon State University

Public policy refers to actions by the state and locals aimed at maintaining order or meeting the needs of the citizens. These policies are regulatory, restrictive and facilitating types. A policy problem is an issue in an act or policy that needs to be addressed or improved. Public policy is usually controlled by the state and affects the daily lives of citizens that the state is trying to provide for and protect. This paper will focus on the issues that surround education policy in Alabama State.

The education policy in Alabama problem is the K-12 public education which most voters seemed so concerned about. The issues surrounding the program are class size, preparation by teachers, and funding. Funding for spending per child in Alabama State is poor in districts that are not wealthy while the wealthy districts create inequality. Teacher training is low with debate settling on training for teachers on all grades. Class size, on the other hand, is a rising issue considering the State has to cut their budget thus implying that class sizes must rise because the ratio is a teacher to class size.

The policy problem is experienced in Alabama State in the United States of America. This K-12 policy issue is a policy for education in Alabama which aims at improving education in the state. Those affected by the problems affecting the policy such as class size, non-prepared teachers and low funding are students because it leads to low achievement rates among the students. These factors that the policy must address are affecting how students are performing especially with the fact that it is clear that the budget of the State is being cut to priority issues such as Medicaid and health care for the people of Alabama.

The problem started when the policy allowed parents to have an option to take children to either private or public schools thus those with money take their kids to good private schools. Education problems in Alabama circulate in one major cause which is money, implying that it is the thing that affects the State. The State faces corruption that has led to budget slicing of other projects and public needs that affect the people of the State.

Policy action can change the causes of education underperformance in local schools through strengthening the capacity of public schools to allow for college preparedness. There is also professional decision and development actions taken to make sure class sizes have been reduced to accumulate students that a single teacher can teach with no problems. Policies on corruption should be implemented to reduce corruption in the State which will cause efficient funding and reduce turnover for teachers.

Funding for public schools should be included in the budget policy for Alabama State. The Alabama actors in policy formulation for education include the State legislature, private school leaders and the Alabama State Board of education.

To conclude, the education policy of Alabama State should be redesigned to focus on the achievements of students in public schools because their parents are not wealthy to give them good education in private schools thus depend on the government for help. The budget of the state contributes to the achievement of these kids in local schools from kindergarten to college.

Paper For Above Instructions

Public policy plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape across the United States, and Alabama is no exception. The core problems in Alabama's K-12 public education system revolve around class sizes, inadequate teacher preparation, and funding disparities, primarily affecting students in less affluent districts. This paper aims to analyze these educational issues in the context of Alabama State's current policies and provide solutions to enhance educational outcomes for students.

Education policy is essential for maintaining social order and fulfilling citizens' needs, particularly in regions like Alabama where socioeconomic factors profoundly influence educational access and quality. The existing education policy in Alabama reveals a stark contrast between wealthy and less wealthy districts. Funding disparities lead to significant variations in resources available for classrooms, impacting the quality of education received by students. In less affluent areas, funding for each child is disproportionately low, leading to inadequate facilities, insufficient teaching materials, and overcrowded classrooms. For instance, Alabama ranked 44th in the country for per-pupil spending, illustrating the pressing need for budget reform in public education (Ed Week, 2018).

Moreover, teacher quality is another critical component affecting student achievement in Alabama. Many teachers are underprepared and lack access to professional development that can enhance their instructional methods. Recent studies indicate that there is a direct correlation between teacher preparation and student success (Ingersoll, 2017). Moreover, Alabama's current policies do not prioritize ongoing training and support for educators, thus exacerbating the problem of teacher retention. Inadequate training is a significant contributor to high turnover rates among teachers, which negatively impacts student learning. By contrast, improving teacher preparation programs and increasing support for educators are essential strategies for addressing this concern.

Class sizes have also become a rising issue due to budget cuts, which require schools to increase the ratio of students to teachers. The ideal student-to-teacher ratio is critical in ensuring that each student receives adequate attention and support. Research shows that smaller class sizes lead to optimized student performance (Finn & Achilles, 1999). However, financial constraints have forced schools in Alabama to create larger classes, which can hinder individualized instruction and support for students. To counteract this, policies should prioritize funding allocations that facilitate smaller class sizes, thereby enhancing the learning experience.

Another pressing concern is the impact of socioeconomic status on educational opportunities. Wealthy families often have the means to send their children to private schools with better resources and opportunities, exacerbating educational inequities (Lubienski & Lubienski, 2013). This trend means that the state must find ways to level the playing field for all students, regardless of their background. Policy shifts that reduce funding for private education initiatives, combined with increased public school funding, can help alleviate these disparities.

The political landscape surrounding education policy in Alabama plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of proposed reforms. Key policy actors include state legislators, educational leaders, and advocacy groups. While state lawmakers can create legislation to support educational funding and reform, advocacy groups can influence public perception and mobilize community support for changes in education policy. A collaborative approach that includes input from various stakeholders in education can lead to more effective policies addressing the needs of Alabama's K-12 students.

In conclusion, addressing the challenges of education policy in Alabama requires immediate attention and action. The state must prioritize funding reforms that ensure equitable distribution of resources to all school districts. Improved teacher training and smaller class sizes must be at the forefront of education policy initiatives. Ultimately, the state government has a responsibility to provide quality education for all students, particularly those in low-income areas who rely on public education for their future opportunities. By implementing these changes, Alabama can work towards a more equitable and effective education system for all its citizens.

References

• Ed Week. (2018). State Grades on K-12 Education: Map and rankings. Quality Counts 2018.
• Ingersoll, R. (2017). The Status of Teaching as a Profession. Educational Policy.
• Finn, C. E., & Achilles, C. M. (1999). Tennessee's Class Size Study: A Quantitative Analysis of the Effect of Class Size on Student Achievement. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis.
• Lubienski, S., & Lubienski, C. (2013). The Public School Advantage: Why Public Schools Outperform Private Schools. University of Chicago Press.
• Parcaadmin. (2018). K-12 Education Ranks as the #1 Priority among Alabama Voters. Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama.
• American Federation of Teachers. (2019). The High Cost of Low Performance: The Real Cost of Failing to Invest in Education. AFT.
• National Education Association. (2020). Rankings of the States 2019 and Estimates of School Statistics 2020.
• Every Student Succeeds Act. (2015). Public Law 114-95.
• U.S. Department of Education. (2021). The Condition of Education 2021.
• Council of Chief State School Officers. (2020). 50 State Comparison: Education Budget Trends.