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Middle School Level

Understanding Education Policy

Foundations of Policy Literacy

Middle SchoolHigh SchoolUndergraduateGraduate

Overview

This foundational module introduces learners to the basics of education policy—what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes the educational experiences of millions of students across the nation.

Essential Questions

What is education policy and why does it matter?
How do different levels of government influence education?
Who are the key stakeholders in education policy?
How does a policy idea become law or regulation?

Units (5)

Unit 1

What is Policy?

Discover what policies are and how they affect your daily life at school.

3-4 class periods

Activities

  • School Rules Detective: Identify policies that affect your school day
  • Policy or Not? Sorting activity to identify different types of rules
  • My Policy Impact Journal: Track how policies affect you for a week

Key Vocabulary

policyruleregulationlawgovernment