State Implementation of National Policy Standards
Something happens when national-level policy filters down to the local level … it tends to drift! In a very real sense, the state can be seen as one link in a policy chain; an intermediary structure that bends policy to its own purposes. Other intermediary structures include research institutes, think-tanks, professional associations, labor unions, and private sector contractors.
As you heard in the video, national policy on school climate remains “on the drawing board,” but the NSCC has proposed national standards expected to shape policy in the future. In this Discussion you will examine the various ways that states have interpreted those standards.
To prepare for the Discussion, review the “State Policies on School Climate and Bully Prevention Efforts: Challenges and Opportunities for Deepening State Policy Support for Safe, Supportive and Civil Schools” and “National School Climate Standards” documents posted in the school climate/policy section of the NSCC website. Select at least two states that interest you and research their school climate policies and practices using the NSCC documents and Department of Education websites for the respective states.
By Day 7 of Week 7:
Post your response to the following:
Analyze the implementation of national standards at the state level. Cite possible reasons for state differences based on the research of Mohammed, Pisapia, and Walker (2009).
By Day 3 of Week 8:
Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.
Respond to two or more of your colleagues’ postings in any of the following ways:
Build on something your colleague said.
Explain why and how you see things differently.
Ask a probing or clarifying question.
Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
Offer and support an opinion.
Validate an idea with your own experience.
Expand on your colleague’s posting.
Ask for evidence that supports the posting.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Reflect on what you learned in this activity and/or insights you gained this week.
