Professionals interested in evaluating and developing methods for implementing educational reform should apply for jobs in education policy. These positions include teacher evaluation, student achievement, and curriculum development, among other things. Jobs in education policy can be found in higher, secondary, and elementary schools, as well as at the state and federal levels, as well as in private companies that specialize in research, analysis, and administration. A master’s degree in education or a doctorate in education policy, preferably with an emphasis on education policy, is required for jobs in education policy.
Professionals working in education policy research must collect data on current educational policies, teachers, students, and curriculum. Educational researchers can diagnose, analyze, and study existing educational problems using mathematical statistics and developing quantitative and qualitative studies. Researchers in education may look into the effects of socioeconomics, ethnicity, and culture on student achievement, as well as the effectiveness of different teaching methods for students in special education programs. Researchers are attempting to define correlations and trends in order to uncover gaps in school achievement and failure. Professionals in education policy jobs could also collect information on soldiers and their transition to higher education, as well as examine new student achievement test results to see if they accurately reflect the student.
To market and implement education strategies and school reform, professionals in education policy analysis use statistical data, correlations, and findings from educational research. They supervise the development of new educational programs, as well as testing and teaching methods. They also keep track of student and teacher performance data.
Educational policymakers learn to recognize a policy’s success or failure and work to effectively allocate resources. Education policy professionals can also work for state and federal agencies or legislators, or as lobbyists or lawyers. The Post 9/11 GI Bill Improvement Act is one piece of legislation that US education policymakers have worked to develop and market, and which they attempted to pass into law in 2010. Another example of education legislation drafted and enacted by educators in the United States is the No Child Left Behind Act.
Superintendents, principals, and directors of literacy and special education programs are among the positions available in education policy administration. In order to research, create, and implement programs in their own schools and districts, a professional must be able to balance daily administrative tasks while also looking ahead to future developments and improvements. High-level administrators are also in charge of budgeting and fundraising, as well as enforcing the school’s academic standards. Professionals in higher education policy jobs may also be required to teach policy curriculum and supervise the development of research or thesis for students pursuing a degree in education policy.