Director's Message

We are privileged to live in a time of great upheaval in the world of public education. The values and systems which have prevailed in the world of US schools are being challenged. It is a time of transition. The nation, the states and many local districts have embarked on an ambitious new, strategic quest to realize the ideals of equity and excellence in our public education system.

As we strive to build 21st century systems of education that work for all students, educational policy is an important instrument of change, the subject of controversy, the object of research, the hope of many practitioners and potentially, the salvation of many students.

What is policy? How can it be used to promote learning and opportunity especially for those who have historically been least well served by our education system? What skills and knowledge are essential to becoming an effective policy practitioner? What does research tell us about the strengths and limits of policy? What kinds of organizations and leaders are needed to advance the powers and practices likely to accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number of students? What kind of politics surrounds the policy process?

All of these questions and more are central to the Educational Policy and Management Program, which aims to equip its graduates to be active participants in shaping a policy environment that can encourage and support the development of an educational system that will enable all children to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century.

We, the faculty of the EPM Program, invite you to join us in this stimulating conversation and challenging journey to better schools for all children. Our program provides rich learning opportunities, practical experience, and constructive support to students who envision becoming leaders in the world of education policy and practice. Drawing on the many resources of the University and the rich environment of Cambridge and Boston, we seek to engage our students in local, state and national developments in the field. We encourage students to participate in field experiences as well as to take advantage of the superb range of courses across the University. As faculty who are, ourselves, actively engaged in the world of educational policy, we strive to connect our students to people and organizations who make a difference in the field. Throughout the year, we provide active support to our students as they grapple with career direction and finding jobs.

Our graduates hold positions at all levels of national, state, and local policy and practice organizations. They provide current students with a rich network for professional learning and career opportunities. We also have an active student association that generates a diverse menu of social, professional and recreational opportunities throughout the year.

If you would like to make a difference in the world of education by utilizing the tools of policy and practice, if you want to better understand the landscape of organizations that can influence the education future of our communities, states and nation, we encourage you to consider the Education Policy and Management Program.

Thank you for your interest. Please address your inquiries to program coordinator, Deirdre Duckett, 617 384-7781, ducketde@gse.harvard.edu.

Sincerely,
Paul Reville
Director of EPM