IEL/LSS Policy Project

Project Summary

The IEL/LSS Policy Project is a cooperative effort of IEL and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Educational Laboratory (MAREL), the Laboratory for Student Success (LSS) based at Temple University, to help design and implement state-based and state-focused discussion networks of education stakeholders and policymakers.

The IEL/LSS Policy Project aims to build and strengthen approaches to get the best information and thinking on key issues before decision makers, in a timely and useful way, and to enhance their capacity for ongoing exchange of information and discussion.

The first phase of the project took place in 2001 and involved “policy mapping” – an assessment of key policy issues, processes, and players in each of the jurisdictions covered by LSS (District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).

The second phase of the project, which runs through 2005, has connected IEL and LSS with a state-based education partner. Together, they work to help bring important issues and new research to education decision-makers through regular policy forums and other activities. Both public and private organizations form the group of current state-based partners for the project: The Education Policy Leadership Center in Pennsylvania; the Public Education Institute at Rutgers University in New Jersey; the State Education Office of the District of Columbia; and the Delaware State Department of Education.

The policy forums explore critical current and long-range issues, such as NCLB implementation, standards and assessment, teaching quality, early childhood education opportunities, data-driven decision-making, charter school options, and parent/community engagement. The project also periodically reviews the impact of the forums and related activities on education practice and policy. The project has produced two LSS Spotlight issues: Informing the Education Policy Process: What State Leaders Need and Informing Policymakers: Developing and Sharing Knowledge About Quality Teaching.

Staff

Karabelle Pizzigati, Senior Associate