In today’s complex educational environment, it’s critical for educators to understand the policy landscape. Research-based and grounded in a non-ideological perspective, The American Education Policy Landscape is an essential guide for educators, graduate students, and policymakers alike. This accessible resource unpacks complex concepts and provides a comprehensive overview of early childhood, K-12, and higher education policy issues, including governance structures at the local, state, and national levels; the process of policymaking; issues of educational finance; and the impact of stakeholders. The American Education Policy Landscape provides aspiring and practicing educators, analysts, researchers, and policymakers with the foundational knowledge and context for understanding education policy, enabling them to make effective decisions, provide informed advice, and craft critical research questions on education.
1. Introduction
Part One: Overview of the U.S. Education System
2. The Structure of the American Educational System
3. Theories of the Policy Process
Part Two: The Education Sectors
4. Early Childhood Education
5. K-12
6. Higher Education
Part Three: Tools for Continued Learning
7. The Development and Uses of Educational Research
8. The Promise of P-20 Collaboration
Biography
Jennifer A. Rippner, Ph.D., J.D., is Executive Director for Policy and Partnerships for the University System of Georgia and the Coordinator for the state of Georgia’s P-20 Council, the Alliance of Education Agency Heads (AEAH).
"An outstanding work that I wish had been available at the start of my career in public service! Decades of rich experience as an administrator, policy-maker, and academic culminate in this insightful and cogent primer. Rippner's work will leave you with a greater understanding of the full breadth and complexity of the education system, at the same time arming us all with our next steps for meaningful progress."
--Trey Childress, Deputy Governor, State of Illinois
"Rippner has succeeded in filling a stubborn gap in education reporting. Much more than an overview, she has created an eminently useful foundational resource—an invaluable context-creating statement of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go. A comprehensive and compelling contribution, and a true pleasure to read."
--Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor, The State University of New York
"Rippner has taken on the daunting task of writing a book for a broad audience to aid our understanding of the complex U.S. education policymaking process. Rippner’s formal education and professional experiences in education policy have prepared her for this challenge and she has ably delivered a worthy final product."
--W. Kyle Ingle, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Organizational Development, University of Louisville
