POLICY ADVOCACY DISSERTATION DOCUMENT

YEAR THREE, TERMS 11 & 12

Introduction to the Policy Advocacy Document and Writing Directions

The policy advocacy approach arises from the educational administration reform agenda which calls for (1) more thoughtful approaches to educational policy development, (2) a concern that educational leadership express itself in a moral context, and (3) a desire to develop reflective practices in administration. (Browder, 1995, An Alternative to the Doctoral Dissertation: The Policy Advocacy Concept and the Doctoral Policy Document).

The policy advocacy document attempts to develop instructional delivery systems and policies using reflective practice and research as a means for supporting and promoting reforms in education.Policy advocacy dissertations use critical theory to address moral and ethical issues of policy formation and administrative decision making. The purpose is to develop reflective, humane and social critics, moral leaders, and competent professionals, guided by a critical practical rational model.

Focusing on “what ought to be” the policy advocacy document is a viable, scholarly, written statement of educational policy to be presented and defended, both publically and academically on educational, political, social economic, and moral/ethical grounds by a candidate seeking a career as a practicing school administrator. It prepares candidates to become moral leaders in their communities and assists them in setting educational policy guidelines. (Browder, 1995, p. 54)

The policy advocacy dissertation document consists of seven sections. In assembling and writing the policy advocacy document, include the following Sections and Sub-sections in the order they are listed.

SECTION ONE: VISION STATEMENT

The policy document opens with a vision statement. It addresses the following questions:

  1. How did I become aware of this particular policy issue?
  2. What are the critical issues that make this a policy problem in need of a response?
  3. What policy am I recommending/advocating as a solution to addressing the original policy issue?
  4. How do I envision the recommended/advocated policy will be effective in meeting the issue?

SECTION TWO: ANALYSIS OF NEED

The vision statement is followed by an analysis of need section wherein the problem and its context are defined more specifically. Five distinct disciplinary areas are brought under analysis to bring fuller understanding to the problems involved. Through the analysis the policy maker seeks to make choices and trace theimplications.

The five areas that must addressed are:

  1. Educational Analysis
  2. Economic Analysis
  3. Social Analysis
  4. Political Analysis
  5. Moral and Ethical Analysis

SECTION THREE: ADVOCATED POLICY STATEMENT

The vision and needs analysis section are then followed by an advocated policy statement. This section provides a definition for what the policy advocates in detail, spelling out its goals and objectives. Considered here are questions like:

  1. What are the policy’s goals and objectives?
  2. Whose needs, values, and preferences are being represented by the policy advocated?
  3. On what basis are the goals and objectives validated to be appropriate and good?

SECTION FOUR: POLICY ARGUMENT

The policy argument section is a pro-and-con essay on the merit of the advocated policy, considering research findings, public and professional opinions, and other relevant factors. Arguments from both sides should show a substantial level of scholarship to offer confidence that the arguments provided are balanced, considered and reasonable for the situation. What do you believe to be the “pros” of this policy? What “cons” or counter arguments could be, or have been, made against such a policy? A sense of the candidate’s moral leadership abilities should also make itself apparent here.

SECTION FIVE: POLICY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

If the argumentation for the policy advocated has merit, it follows that a policy implementation plan section is needed to make a case that implementation of the advocated policy is administratively feasible. This plan is a description of how the advocated policy is envisioned to be implemented if it is adopted. It should be either a generalized or specifically detailed plan; the degree of planning detail required depend on the nature of the policy being implemented whether it is intended for a program, a building, a school district or the state.

Administrative competence is being tested here. Components of the implementation plan might include, but not be limited to:

  1. Needed educational activities
  2. Staff development plans
  3. Time schedules
  4. Program budgets
  5. Progress monitoring activities

SECTION SIX: POLICY ASSESSMENT PLAN

A policy assessment plan should be included to monitor progress and evaluate the outcomes and results of the policy if it is implemented. The assessment plan also describes how individuals or groups responsible for the policy’s implementation and administration will be held accountable and what report procedures will be followed. Aspects of stewardship responsibility are being drawn here.

SECTION SEVEN: SUMMARY IMPACT STATEMENT

A summary impact statement completes the structure and content of the policy advocacy document. This statement is to be reflective in nature, envisioning the estimated consequences of implementing the advocated policy in the context intended. Questions to guide the impact statement might include:

1.What makes this the appropriate and best policy?

2.What and whose values are at the center of the policy?

3.How is the implementation of the policyconsistent with the vision behind it?

4.How are the needs and concerns of all stakeholders included sufficiently?

The summary impact statement includes a blend of reflective scholarship, administrative acumen, and, if the policy being presented is controversial in nature, moral leadership should be leadership.

REFERENCE LIST

Include a list of all books, articles, research reports, websites, etc. that were referenced within the body of the text. Use APA style.

APPENDICES

Attach any appendices if referenced within the document. These might include charts, graphs, tables, etc. that were too large to include within the body of the text. Refer to as: APPENDIX A, APPENDIX B, ETC.

[i]NW: 6.24.13

[i] This policy advocacy dissertation document and model was adapted from Browder, L. H., (1995). An alternative to the doctoral dissertation: The policy advocacy concept and the policy document. Journal of School Leadership, 5, 40-69.