Policy, Rhetoric,and Ethics of Education Reform for Sustainable Futures

How Language Matters for Implementation: Policy Literature, Policy Rhetoric, & Writing for Ideologically Conscious Audiences During the past two decades in many parts of Latin America, significant, and sometimes dominant,... [ view full abstract ]

How Language Matters for Implementation: Policy Literature, Policy Rhetoric, & Writing for Ideologically Conscious Audiences

During the past two decades in many parts of Latin America, significant, and sometimes dominant, political coalitions have developed that are explicitly skeptical of so-called “neoliberal” policy discourse. At the same time it remains true that many internationally recognized development scholars doing research in Latin America, as well as other areas of the Global South, have training and professional experience in universities and international institutions where such discourse is conventional, encouraged, and not deemed ideological. Focusing on education reforms incorporating “decentralization” and “accountability” in Latin America, this paper provides a review of the literature regarding whether and how the language and terminology of policy analysis might inhibit implementation of a given policy by negatively affecting implementing agents’ cognition and acceptance of given policy reforms, creating miscommunication and misunderstanding among different stakeholders, and/or providing fodder for political opponents. We examine the tensions inherent between the policy analysts and policymakers, suggesting a framework for analyzing language use in policy analysis based on the relevant contextual factors in a given political environment. Some newer conceptions of the policy process found in the literature are synthesized in the paper for discussing how the language of policy analysts may be more consciously considered in writing for ideologically sensitive audiences, while also weighing ethical dilemmas that may arise.

Schisms and Adhesives; political and cultural dimensions that impact how, and whether, reforms “stick” Within the framework of long term education reform, this paper will assess the experience of reforms in three... [ view full abstract ]

Schisms and Adhesives; political and cultural dimensions that impact how, and whether, reforms “stick”

Within the framework of long term education reform, this paper will assess the experience of reforms in three countries during periods of political change and the impact of how reforms are framed, their relationship to external forces including donor initiatives, and the fine line that donors and external consultants play in balancing technical advice in a politicized environment.

The analysis will focus on several key decision points, or points of inflection, in the life of the reforms in relation to the political and social environment. The specific cases to be included in this presentation will be finalized soon, but should include one each in Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.

This proposal has only two papers as we wish to focus on allowing for ample discussion. Angela Little has agreed to be a discussant. [ view full abstract ]

This proposal has only two papers as we wish to focus on allowing for ample discussion. Angela Little has agreed to be a discussant.

The question for the theme of education planning and resourcing systems is focused on the technical aspects of the requirements of planning and resource systems. This symposium will explore the related but critical question... [ view full abstract ]

The question for the theme of education planning and resourcing systems is focused on the technical aspects of the requirements of planning and resource systems. This symposium will explore the related but critical question of how such reforms are introduced and implemented, and the practical and ethical considerations that apply to both national and international actors in promoting reforms. The symposium will introduce a framework for understanding the issues through two short presentations and a discussant, followed by a highly interactive session with the full audience in small groups to explore specific issues from their experiences.

Frequently national governments and their constituent elements engage in a reassessment and revision of their structure for planning, implementing, and financing education. These “education reform” initiatives are complex undertakings that require planning, design, analysis, political strategy, advocacy, and negotiation among myriad actors. This involves not only the current national political leadership but also many different levels of government, political allies and opponents, bureaucrats and elected officials, the donor community, national and local education stakeholders, unions, the media, social movements, teachers, parents, students and more. The implementation of these reforms is a combination of careful policy analysis, design, and roll-out implementation strategies, together with complex social and political positioning recognizing that any reform may take a decade to unfold, extending its time frame beyond a single administration’s purview. In light of this, reforms seldom unfold as planned. Understanding these dynamics, and the role of external advisers and donors is key to successfully implementing sustainable systems