The new century demands a collaborative, diverse and technically
savvy workforce. Our schools must respond by preparing the next
generation with innovation, flexibility and a commitment to meet
the needs of all learners. In an environment of wide gaps in
student achievement and school quality, educational leaders are
called upon to build opportunities, collaboration, and community
among a wide variety of stakeholders. This takes skilled
educational leadership and sound policy.
The School of Education’ Center for Applied Policy in Education
(CAP-Ed), in partnership with the Poverty Research Center at UC
Davis, hosted leading education advocates in panel discussion
about education policy in California and the ramifications of the
November election on school finance in the state. “Education
Policymaking in a Time of Uncertainty: Reflections from the Third
House” was organized by Michal Kurlaender, associate professor of
education policy and leadership. View the discussion
online.
“The ‘third house’ refers to those who work at the ‘public’ part
of the public policy process,” said Kurlaender. “Some may refer
to them as special interests, but they are only special until
they are yours. We are lucky to have them here today to help us
think about what is at stake for education in California.”
The School has a major part to play in providing nonpartisan,
research-based education policy analysis and recommendations, and
to prepare leaders to influence and enact policies that meet the
needs of their students and teachers.
Inside this issue, we explore the impact of the School’s work in
education policy and leadership. We also feature the School’s
2011 Distinguished Alumni, welcome two new faculty, and celebrate
new gifts to establish scholarships for students.
The National Academy of Education has awarded Michal Kurlaender a
Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship in recognition of her significant
contributions to education research. Spencer’s program supports
early career scholars working in critical ares of education. The
program also develops the careers of its recipients through
professional development activities involving the National
Academy of Education members.
What does school look like in Cuba? Thomas Timar, professor of
education and faculty director of the Center for Applied Policy
in Education (CAP-Ed), designed a UC Davis Quarter Abroad program
in conjunction with Cuban instructors to demonstrate a hands-on
comparison of Cuban and American education systems. Literature,
language, arts and culture, and Cuban classroom visits were
incorporated into the students’ experience at Casa de las
Américas of Havana during Spring Quarter 2010.
To paraphrase Dostoevsky, the quality of a society should be
measured by the quality of its schools, particularly the
quality of its schools educating the most disadvantaged
children.
Thomas Timar’s areas of expertise include education finance,
policy, and governance. In addition to his faculty
responsibilities, he is also director of the UC Davis Center for Applied Policy in Education
(CAP-Ed) and a member of the steering committee for Policy
Analysis for California Education (PACE).
