Analyzing Political Factors Shaping Education: A Focus on K-12 and Higher Education

For this assignment, you are going to act as an administrator dealing with a sudden shift to online education. Discuss the political factors that influence changes in education at the local level that will affect how you handle the situation. Evaluate your local school’s performance and how the data impacts future school board policy.
Check with your state’s Department of Education for data such as reading and math performance, attendance, discipline, and overall school climate.
Analyze two (2) political factors, one (1) positive and one (1) negative, influencing equitable change on local K-12 school campuses.
Be sure to include a brief summary of each factor.
Consider how this level addresses lesson plan reviews and observation.
Analyze two (2) political factors, one (1) positive and one (1) negative, influencing equitable change in the Higher Education institutions in your state.
Be sure to include a brief summary of each factor.
Consider how this level addresses attendance (for Federal-aid purposes), drop/add class periods, grade reporting, and syllabi evaluation.
This political factor should be different than the ones used for the K-12 campuses.
Use four (4) sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are recent (five (5) years or newer), credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one (1) time within your assignment. For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library o

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Assignment on Political Factors in Education

This assignment involves analyzing political factors that affect changes in education, both at the K-12 and higher education levels. You need to evaluate data, discuss the performance of your local school, and analyze two positive and two negative political factors that influence change. Here’s how to structure your work effectively:

1. Introduction – Provide an Overview (First 2-3 sentences)
Start your paper with a brief introduction. Mention the shift to online education and the political factors that can influence this change. State the importance of understanding these factors in managing the educational transition.

Example:
The sudden shift to online education has significantly impacted K-12 and higher education systems, requiring careful consideration of political factors. Local educational administrators must navigate political influences that affect policy decisions, teaching methods, and equitable access to education. This paper explores the political factors that shape education at the local level and evaluates how data-driven decisions impact school performance and future school board policies.

2. Political Factors Influencing K-12 Education (Two Factors)
In this section, analyze two political factors affecting K-12 education, one positive and one negative. Be sure to provide a brief summary of each factor and explain how they influence equitable change on local school campuses.

Positive Factor (Example: Government Funding for Technology)
Explain how government initiatives or funding for technology have supported equitable online education. Discuss how this positively impacts your local school’s ability to implement online learning.
Example:
One positive political factor that influences equitable change at the K-12 level is increased government funding for educational technology. Federal and state governments have allocated resources to ensure schools have the necessary tools for online learning. For instance, the CARES Act provided funds to help schools acquire laptops, tablets, and broadband access for students. This funding has been essential for local schools, ensuring that students in underprivileged areas have the same access to learning materials as their peers.

Negative Factor (Example: Political Gridlock on Education Policy)
Discuss how political gridlock or partisan disagreements can prevent necessary changes, affecting how schools adapt to online education.
Example:
A negative political factor affecting local K-12 education is political gridlock on education policy. In many states, partisan disagreements over education funding and policy have delayed the implementation of necessary reforms. For instance, political leaders in certain states have clashed over how to allocate funds for schools, leaving districts with insufficient resources for online learning. This has created disparities in educational access, especially for schools in lower-income areas, and has hindered efforts to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students.

3. Performance Evaluation of Your Local School (K-12)
Now, evaluate your local school’s performance in terms of reading and math scores, attendance, discipline, and overall climate. Use data from your state’s Department of Education and discuss how this data impacts future school board policy.

Example:
According to the latest data from the state’s Department of Education, my local school has seen a decline in reading and math performance, with attendance rates falling by 10% during the shift to online learning. Additionally, discipline issues have risen as students struggle with the lack of in-person engagement. This data will likely influence future school board policies, with an emphasis on improving virtual teaching strategies, increasing student support services, and addressing attendance issues by implementing more flexible learning options.

4. Political Factors Influencing Higher Education (Two Factors)
Next, analyze two political factors affecting higher education in your state. One should be positive, and the other should be negative. Discuss how these factors relate to attendance, drop/add periods, and other key policies in higher education.

Positive Factor (Example: State Grants and Scholarships)
Describe how state financial aid programs like grants and scholarships are helping students access higher education during the pandemic.
Example:
A positive political factor affecting higher education in my state is the increased availability of state grants and scholarships aimed at supporting students during the shift to online learning. Programs like the state-funded emergency relief grants have allowed students to continue their education despite financial hardships caused by the pandemic. These programs provide essential support for students who otherwise might not have access to online education due to financial barriers.

Negative Factor (Example: State Budget Cuts to Higher Education)
Discuss how state budget cuts to higher education are negatively impacting students and institutions, particularly in terms of online course offerings and faculty support.
Example:
A negative political factor affecting higher education in my state is the recent state budget cuts to higher education funding. These cuts have resulted in reduced faculty positions, fewer online course offerings, and limited student support services. As a result, many universities have struggled to offer high-quality online education, leading to disparities in student success and retention rates. Budget cuts have also made it harder for schools to maintain the necessary infrastructure for remote learning.

5. Conclusion – Synthesize Your Findings (1-2 sentences)
Wrap up your paper by synthesizing your analysis of the political factors that influence both K-12 and higher education. Reflect on how these factors can drive future policies and educational changes.

Example:
In conclusion, political factors play a crucial role in shaping educational practices and policies, both in K-12 and higher education. While funding for technology and state grants are positive influences, political gridlock and budget cuts pose significant challenges to ensuring equitable education. Understanding these factors will be essential for administrators to navigate the challenges posed by the shift to online education.

Final Tips:
Make sure you incorporate recent data from your state’s Department of Education and relevant educational sources.
Use four credible, recent sources to support your claims and cite them properly in your paper.
Be sure to follow your assignment’s requirements and focus on analyzing the political factors at both the K-12 and higher education levels.
By following these steps, you’ll create a well-organized and thoughtful paper that addresses all aspects of the assignment and demonstrates your understanding of the political influences in education.

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