Final Essay (6-8 pages double-spaced): Choose one of the following options:

A) Write an analysis of any educational policy or reform. The analysis should explain: the reform, its articulated purpose, its pros and cons, who supports it and who opposes it and why, and the historical and political context of the reform. You should use evidence beyond personal anecdotes and experiences to support your claims.

B) Write a letter to policymakers (either in Tweed, Albany, or Washington D.C.) making a case for a policy initiative (that we did not read about for class) that you think would make a positive impact on public education. Explain the purpose of the reform, why you believe it would be effective, why some people might oppose your proposal, and how you would respond to this opposition. Your letter should be persuasive and provide evidence beyond personal anecdotes and experiences to support your claims.

More information regarding this assignment will be handed out in class and posted on Blackboard. This assignment will require research and the use of sources beyond our assigned readings. We have a class workshop to help you find appropriate sources for your topic. You must submit a topic proposal for approval, along with complete citations for 5 potential sources, by Wednesday, May 1st.