Our Work: Public Policy

Research | Public Policy | Clearinghouse | Programs

Click here to review our 2008 Policy Agenda

In the Public Policy area, the Cowen Institute identifies, evaluates, and advances education policy that is informed by best practices and grassroots advocacy.  One of the most critical system-wide needs identified by schools (and the community as a whole) in New Orleans is that of a ‘voice,’ a platform where their concerns are represented effectively in federal and state education policy forums. To proactively address this need, the institute articulates issues informed by best practices from our applied research and community outreach. 

Developing a research-based educational policy agenda that is based on the key elements of high-performing school districts.

In an effort to bridge research and public policy, the institute will develop its policy agenda based on best practices implemented in high-performing school districts and the input of national experts accessed through the National Advisory Council.  The CI aims to create a strong, ongoing dialogue between scholars and policymakers, ensuring that decision makers have easy access to relevant policy research.  Under the direction of the assistant director, the institute’s policy analyst will conduct extensive research to draft policies, develop policy critiques, particularly to ensure equity, determine policy implications, and create action plans to advance policy change.  Additional research support will be provided by the CI’s research analyst, as well as through partnerships with leading schools of education, national experts, Tulane faculty, and consulting organizations.  The effects of educational policy on student achievement and school improvement will be documented in collaboration with the applied research area through field research. 

Bridging policy provisions with the needs of public schools, students, and the community.

In order to have a substantial and sustained impact on student achievement, the institute must bridge policy with the needs of public schools, students, and the community.  In order to effectively achieve this, the CI staff will establish relationships with the diverse community of local education agencies, public schools, universities, social, economic, and governmental entities and leaders.  This will allow us to bridge the gap between practice and policy, and to build coalitions as necessary, in order to address the needs of the New Orleans public schools.  Critical next steps to be implemented by the institute are the development of a strong network of such community organizations to effectively represent the needs of students and the creation of a space for communities to actively participate in public education reform.  The Cowen Institute recognizes that unless urban communities take ownership of public education, transformation efforts will be short-lived.  Our endeavor is to help create a public education system that is responsive to the needs of the community and provides an equal opportunity for a world-class education to all.

Informing leaders in local, state and federal government to promote the interests of the system of public schools.

To ensure that legislation is aligned with the real needs of schools, the Cowen Institute’s staff must inform leaders in local, state and federal government of the issues relevant to the system of public schools and their communities.  Legislators and policymakers will be educated through the release of assessment reports that track the progress of the city’s public school system and public perception. The institute leverages the political and social capital available at Tulane University and seeks to expand relationships with local, state and federal government leaders.  The institute’s assistant director works closely and continuously with the Department of Education at both the state and federal levels, as well as the state board of education, to support their initiatives in New Orleans.  The CI works closely with Tulane’s Office of Government Affairs to stay apprised of local, state and federal issues as they relate to the University (and education overall). The CI is able to leverage their existing relationships and knowledge to move our agenda forward.

Advancing education policy that is based on best practice-based research and community input.

Finally, the CI also works to advance the policy agenda, articulating issues of relevance to public schools and identifying research-based solutions.  Our goal is to implement state and federal policies that support educational transformation.  This will be accomplished by bringing issues to the attention of the responsible decision-makers, galvanizing the community to push for action, exerting political pressure, and motivating external providers to supply resources to satisfy needs. 

A current focus at the institute has been to advocate for legislation that streamlines procedures for school administrators, freeing up resources that are better invested in students.  The Cowen Institute has successfully represented the New Orleans community in pushing for retaining the status of the Recovery School District during the 2007 legislative session, allowing the district’s leadership adequate time to establish the pathway to success.  The institute was also instrumental in securing $30 million in additional federal aid for the city’s education system and continues to work with policy officials to make these funds available to school leaders in an efficient, equitable, and timely manner.