Reference no: EM132304277

Issues in K-12 Education Case Study

Scenario

Your state is considering a required set of education standards that all schools must adopt. You have been nominated to serve on the statewide committee to inform the legislature as to which standards, if any, should be adopted. You will have the opportunity to take a stand on the following issue. Does a set of required standards improve or limit education for ALL students (e.g., general education students, special education, English language learners, gifted learners) in state schools?

Consider the following questions: How can standards be implemented to improve the quality of education for ALL students in all levels and types of classroom (e.g., general education, special education, vocational)? Is it more effective to adopt district standards, state-specific standards, or national standards?

Once you decide which standards to adopt, what materials, supports and training will be needed to implement them? How do different stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, government leaders, principals, teachers with various specialties and points of view, students, parents) feel about the issue of standards adoption and implementation?

Stakeholders

The State Department of Education, school administrators, teachers, students, parents, educational specialists, politicians, business leaders, employers, advocacy groups, and the community at large.

Document Set 1

• Document 1: A brief overview of the standards-based movement with information synthesized from multiple authentic sources

• Document 2: Statistics and quantitative data that demonstrates inequality and falling international performance; the data focuses on literacy, science, and math scores, as well as the importance of education on lifetime earnings

This document is pieced together from a variety of authentic documents

• Document 3: An authentic document that explores the function of technology in education, and non-traditional settings for K-12 education

• Document 4: An authentic document that introduces new guidelines for education reform that will prepare all public school students for college or a career

Document Set 2

• Document 5: A simulated editorial from a school administrator detailing concerns and issues with implementation of the Common Core State Standards

• Document 6: A simulated magazine article that illustrates some the issues regarding a set of uniform standards and expectations for English Language Learners

• Document 7: A simulated blog post with relevant comments about the concern that a common set of standards might exclude such disciplines as art and music

• Document 8: Simulated blog posts about the Common Core State Standards and special education

NOTES: Common Core is arguably one of the most pressing and controversial issues in K-12 education. The goal of this case study is to have students consider the various stakeholders involved, and take a position on both the broad issue of standards-based education and one or more subtopics that fall under this umbrella.

Submit a 2- to 3-page analysis of the case study in which you:

1. Identify at least two stakeholders and explain their relevance to the issue described in the case study.

2. Explain at least two problems associated with the issue.

3. Pose at least three questions that will help you gain a better understanding of the issue.

4. Explain how you would proceed to obtain the answers to your questions.