Course is designed to introduce students to public policy & provide a foundation for understanding & assessing education policies in particular. Students will examine the theoretical perspectives in policy as well as examine the policy process & the institutions under which policies are formed, specifically the difference between market systems & the role of government. Fourth, the methods & tools for policy analysis, both before & after policies are implemented will be studied. Finally, students will examine the role of institutions as well as policy design. Topics may include No Child Left Behind, financial aid for higher education, tax reforms to encourage saving for college, school reform in major cities, poverty & inequality, among others.