Critical Issues in Urban Education

Product type

Critical Issues in Urban Education

Coursera (CC)
Logo Coursera (CC)
Provider rating: starstarstarstar_halfstar_border 7.2 Coursera (CC) has an average rating of 7.2 (out of 6 reviews)

Need more information? Get more details on the site of the provider.

Description

When you enroll for courses through Coursera you get to choose for a paid plan or for a free plan

  • Free plan: No certicification and/or audit only. You will have access to all course materials except graded items.
  • Paid plan: Commit to earning a Certificate—it's a trusted, shareable way to showcase your new skills.

About this course: Urban school reform in the United States is characterized by contentious, politicized debate. This course explores a set of critical issues in the education and educational reform space, with a focus on aspects of the field that have sparked controversy and polarized views. We will dig into these debates, situating them within the larger history of public education and school reform, and considering the viewpoints, the evidence, and translation of issues into educational policy. We will consider three broad topics in this course: 1. Federal Strategies in School Reform: How has the federal government legislated and incented public school reform? 2. School Choice: How d…

Read the complete description

Frequently asked questions

There are no frequently asked questions yet. If you have any more questions or need help, contact our customer service.

Didn't find what you were looking for? See also: Education, Apple Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows 7, English (FCE / CAE / CPE), and Teaching Skills.

When you enroll for courses through Coursera you get to choose for a paid plan or for a free plan

  • Free plan: No certicification and/or audit only. You will have access to all course materials except graded items.
  • Paid plan: Commit to earning a Certificate—it's a trusted, shareable way to showcase your new skills.

About this course: Urban school reform in the United States is characterized by contentious, politicized debate. This course explores a set of critical issues in the education and educational reform space, with a focus on aspects of the field that have sparked controversy and polarized views. We will dig into these debates, situating them within the larger history of public education and school reform, and considering the viewpoints, the evidence, and translation of issues into educational policy. We will consider three broad topics in this course: 1. Federal Strategies in School Reform: How has the federal government legislated and incented public school reform? 2. School Choice: How does school choice aim to improve schools? 3. Accountability: What is the history of accountability in American public schooling? What are the policies and practices associated with accountability? Learning Goals This course will enable participants to: 1. develop an informed historical perspective about public schooling in the United States; 2. understand the unique contextual elements of the American approach to public schooling; 3. analyze and assess divergent viewpoints about American public school history and school reform policy. Teachers may be able to receive continuing education credit for successful completion of this course. To earn continuing education credits students must purchase and earn the Course Certificate, which they can then submit to the credit-issuing agency in their state. Students should also fill out the requisite paperwork stating that the affiliated provider is the Graham School at the University of Chicago, and that average time for certificate-level course completion is 18 hours. Students outside of Illinois should contact their state’s accreditation board to determine whether this course is eligible for continuing education credit. Note that it is up to the schools or districts that employ teachers to decide whether this course meet their requirements.

Created by:  The University of Chicago
  • Taught by:  Sara Ray Stoelinga, Sara Liston Spurlark Director and Clinical Professor

    Urban Education Institute
Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.8 stars Average User Rating 4.8See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

Help from your peers

Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

Certificates

Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.

The University of Chicago One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


American Public Education: Critical Issues & Historical Context



As we launch the course, we will explore the history of public schooling and school reform in the United States. The approach to public education in the United States is unique, with governance, quality, and approach residing at the state and local level. As a result, efforts to improve and reform public schools in the United States are complex. Together, we will unpack these critical foundational characteristics of American public schooling, and explore the ways in which these contextual factors influence topics explored throughout the course.


5 videos, 3 readings expand


  1. Reading: Welcome to the Course!
  2. Video: Course Overview
  3. Video: Public Schooling & Local Control
  4. Video: American Public School Funding
  5. Video: Concepts of American School Reform, pt. 1: The Theories Behind Reform
  6. Video: Concepts of American School Reform, pt. 2: The History of Reform
  7. Reading: Glossary for Historical Context of American Public Education
  8. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: What are your impressions of the local control character of American public education
  9. Reading: Optional Further Readings

Graded: Historical Context of American Public Education

WEEK 2


The No Child Left Behind Act



This week, we will examine federal strategies to improve public schooling, beginning with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). NCLB is the 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Enacted during the presidency of George W Bush, NCLB emphasized accountability, choice and flexibility. Discussion of the goals and intentions of NCLB will naturally lead us to consider the controversies around federal involvement in public education given the nature of the locally controlled approach to the American system. We will explore divergent opinions about NCLB theory of action and effectiveness.


6 videos, 4 readings expand


  1. Video: NCLB: Overview
  2. Video: Building Up to NCLB, 1965-2001
  3. Reading: Glossary for NCLB Historical Lens
  4. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Does the federal government have a responsibility to ensure equal funding in public education?
  5. Video: Part 1: Accountability and Choice
  6. Video: Part 2: Flexibility and Literacy
  7. Reading: Glossary for NCLB Summary Lens
  8. Video: Part 1: The Aftermath of NCLB
  9. Video: Part 2: Arguments For and Against NCLB
  10. Reading: Glossary for NCLB Analytical Lens
  11. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Would you vote for NCLB?
  12. Reading: Optional Further Readings

Graded: No Child Left Behind

WEEK 3


The Common Core State Standards



As we continue our exploration of federal involvement in public education, we will discuss the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the creation of a shared set of common standards and assessments for public education. We will examine the history of the creation of standards in the United States, revealing the fact that the concept of standards has been evident for decades. What can we learn from this history? How is the Common Core like or not like these previous efforts? We will consider the goals and intentions behind the Common Core, as well as the divergent opinions about its effectiveness.


5 videos, 5 readings expand


  1. Video: Overview: Common Core State Standards
  2. Reading: Glossary for CCSS Overview
  3. Video: American Schooling Standards, 1892-2015
  4. Reading: Glossary for CCSS Historical Lens
  5. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Does the Common Core State Standards improve urban public schooling?
  6. Video: Part 1: Developing the Standards
  7. Video: Part 2: Implementing the Standards
  8. Reading: Glossary for CCSS Summary Lens
  9. Video: Arguments For and Against CCSS
  10. Reading: Glossary for CCSS Analytical Lens
  11. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: What key conditions must be in place for the Common Core State Standards to be successful?
  12. Reading: Optional Further Readings

Graded: The Common Core State Standards

WEEK 4


Interlude 1: Interview and Panel Discussion on NCLB and CCSS



We had the pleasure of interviewing several experts in the education space from around Chicago and the Urban Education Institute. Listen as they discuss topics surrounding NCLB and CCSS. They will have a variety of perspectives from that of a researcher to a practitioner. Which do you identify with? Did any of the participants resonate with you?


7 videos expand


  1. Video: Meet the Experts
  2. Video: NCLB Interviews
  3. Video: CCSS Interviews
  4. Video: Federal Intervention Interviews
  5. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Should the federal goverment get involved in public education?
  6. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: How should the federal government be engaged in public education?
  7. Video: Panel 1, part 1: School Improvement at Scale
  8. Video: Panel 1, pt. 2: Standardized Tests
  9. Video: Panel 1, pt. 3: School-level Reform
  10. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: What is the optimal starting point for school reform?
  11. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: What data are most compelling to you to measure effectiveness of schools?


WEEK 5


Summarizing Debates around School Choice



School choice includes a set of practices and policies that aim to provide new educational options for students, to improve individual, school and school system outcomes. The concept on the surface sounds simple and logical and yet school choice is complex in implementation and has sparked much debate. What are the reasons for this controversy? Together, we will examine the history, types of school choice, the debates about effectiveness, and the ways in which this theory of action has become highly politicized and controversial.


5 videos, 3 readings expand


  1. Video: Overview: School Choice
  2. Reading: Glossary for School Choice Overview
  3. Video: School Choice from 1955 Onward
  4. Reading: Glossary for School Choice Historical Lens
  5. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Can school choice help to improve individual outcomes?
  6. Video: Part 1: Open Enrollment and Magnet Schools
  7. Video: Part 2: Tax Credits and Homeschooling
  8. Reading: Glossary for School Choice Summary Lens
  9. Video: Arguments For and Against School Choice
  10. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: What information will parents need to make informed school choices?

Graded: School Choice

WEEK 6


Charter Schools



This week, we will focus our attention on charter schools. We will explore the history of charter schools in the United States, examining fundamental questions about their theory of action and effectiveness. In these lectures, we will gain critical knowledge about how charter schools came to be, whether they are effective, and why they are so controversial.


5 videos, 4 readings expand


  1. Video: Overview: Charter Schools
  2. Reading: Glossary for Charter School Overview
  3. Video: The History Behind Charter Schools, 1955-2015
  4. Reading: Glossary for Charter School Historical Lens
  5. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Can charter schools improve outcomes for individual students, schools, and school systems?
  6. Video: What makes charter schools different?
  7. Reading: Glossary for Charter Schools Summary Lens
  8. Video: Part 1: How do charter schools perform?
  9. Video: Part 2: Arguments For and Against Charter Schools
  10. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Should states and localities promote the expansion of charter schools?
  11. Reading: Optional Further Readings: School Choice and Charter Schools

Graded: Charter Schools

WEEK 7


Interlude 2: Interview and Panel Discussion on School Choice and Charter Schools



We had the pleasure of interviewing several experts in the education space from around Chicago and the Urban Education Institute. Listen as they discuss issues surrounding School Choice and Charter Schools. They will have a variety of perspectives from that of a researcher to a practitioner. Which do you identify with? Did any of the participants resonate with you?


6 videos expand


  1. Video: School Choice: Meet the Experts
  2. Video: The School Choice Debate Interviews
  3. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Is education a public good or private good?
  4. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Does school choice improve educational outcomes?
  5. Video: School Choice Interviews: Charter Schools
  6. Video: Part 1: The Theory Behind School Choice
  7. Video: Part 2: Teachers and Teachers Unions in Charter Schools
  8. Video: Part 3: Charter School Results
  9. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Should charter schools be part of teachers unions?
  10. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Are charter schools successful?


WEEK 8


School Accountability: History, Theory of Action, Policy



The idea of accountability, or holding students, teachers, schools and school districts responsible for school performance, has become a key focus for practitioners, policy makers, and citizens. Why did the concept of accountability emerge and why has it become so central, so controversial? This week, we will learn about the concept of accountability in schools, which emerged in the United States in the 1990s. We will examine the history of the accountability, and the many forms this idea has taken. In doing so, we will consider pressing questions about how we ensure high quality schooling while not making accountability an ends in itself.


5 videos, 4 readings expand


  1. Video: Accountability: Overview
  2. Reading: Glossary for Accountability Overview
  3. Video: Accountability, 1980-2001
  4. Reading: Glossary for Accountability Historical Lens
  5. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Does accountability improve public schooling?
  6. Video: Part 1: Assessments, Report Cards, and Help to Low-Performing Schools
  7. Video: Part 2: Turnaround and Rewards to High-Performing Schools
  8. Reading: Glossary for Accountability Summary Lens
  9. Video: How have Accountability Methods Changed over Time? 1999-2014
  10. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Should standardized tests be a component included in accountability systems?
  11. Reading: Optional Further Reading

Graded: Accountability

WEEK 9


Teacher Effectiveness and Evaluation



This week, we will dig more deeply into the concept of accountability, by examining teacher effectiveness and evaluation. In the process, we will learn about efforts to define and measure teacher effectiveness, and the push nationally to integrate teacher evaluation into individual teacher, school, school system and state accountability systems.


4 videos, 5 readings expand


  1. Video: Overview: Teacher Effectiveness and Evaluation
  2. Reading: Glossary for Teacher Effectiveness/Evaluation Overview
  3. Video: How and Why has Teacher Evaluation Changed over Time?
  4. Reading: Glossary for Teacher Effectiveness/Evaluation Historical Lens
  5. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: How do we improve teacher effectiveness?
  6. Video: How Teacher Evaluation Systems Work
  7. Reading: Glossary for Teacher Effectiveness/Evaluation Summary Lens
  8. Video: The Teacher Pathway Perspective
  9. Reading: Glossary for Teacher Effectiveness/Evaluation Analytical Lens
  10. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: What are the most important aspects or characteristics for teachers to have to be effective?
  11. Reading: Optional Further Reading

Graded: Teacher Effectiveness/Evaluation

WEEK 10


Conclusion and Final Assignment
In the last week, we interviewed several experts in the education space from around Chicago and the Urban Education Institute on their view of accountability. As a summary of your learning in this class, we ask you to write a short response paper.


4 videos, 2 readings expand


  1. Video: Meet the Experts
  2. Video: Accountability Interviews
  3. Video: High-stakes Testing Interview
  4. Video: Teacher Quality and Evaluation Interviews
  5. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Is accountability necessary for ensuring quality of public schools?
  6. Discussion Prompt: Think & Share: Which aspects of accountability have the highest likelihood of improving schools?
  7. Reading: Writing Resources
  8. Reading: Complete Glossary and Optional Further Reading Lists

Graded: Issue Response Paper
There are no reviews yet.
  • View related products with reviews: Education.

Share your review

Do you have experience with this course? Submit your review and help other people make the right choice. As a thank you for your effort we will donate £1.- to Stichting Edukans.

There are no frequently asked questions yet. If you have any more questions or need help, contact our customer service.