Research on School Improvement, 1965-Present

Undergraduate / Graduate

Since the passage of Congressional legislation in 1965 and until very recently, the primary aim of US federal education policy has been to expand educational opportunity. Equalizing resources, improving instruction, holding educators accountable for outcomes, and promoting school choice have been major themes in this endeavor. We'll examine the theoretical rationales for such efforts, review criticisms of these rationales, and ask how effective these strategies have been. Finally, we'll evaluate current scholarly thinking about school improvement as an engine for societal improvement.