Hold That Mandate!

In the ever-evolving landscape of education reform, policymakers often find themselves caught between the urgency for change and the complexity of change that is embraced by the field for lasting improvements. "Hold that Mandate: Alternative Policy Actions for Scaling Deeper Learning," a new C!E paper by Paul Leather, Gretchen Morgan, Jenny Poon, and Doannie Tran, titled offers a case for expanding the policy toolbox beyond the traditional reliance on mandates and compliance monitoring.

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Drawing from real-world examples like Colorado's graduation policy reform, the paper illustrates how well-intentioned mandates can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. When districts are pressured to comply without adequate support or resources, they may opt for quick fixes that fail to achieve the deeper learning outcomes policymakers envision. This mismatch between intentions and strategy highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to important changes in your district or state.

Mandates are often seen as the most direct route to scale. But, a broader understanding of "scaling" that goes beyond mere spread is necessary to understand how new ideas take hold. Depth, sustainability, and local ownership are important dimensions of scale that can create lasting reforms, and the good news is policymakers have a variety of policy tools at their disposal (including inducements, capacity building, system changing, and persuasion) to impact sustainable scale. 

By expanding their policy repertoire and embracing more collaborative approaches, policymakers and education leaders can improve outcomes for students, make education relevant for their community, and create a lasting legacy for themselves based on inclusive policy design.

DOWNLOAD THE PAPER HERE