Students also gain experience through the required Capstone-Practicum course EDPLY-GE 2050, where they participate in practical training during their final semester to design and perform a research study. Projects are designed and written for a particular “clientele” in the policy community. Emphasis will be placed on the appropriate use of the data set, the methodology, and documenting the research in a written form that will be understood by and useful for the intended audience. The development of effective and efficient teams that utilize and build upon the experience, skills and interests of team members is an integral part of the Education and Social Policy curriculum.
At the end of the semester, all students present their Capstone-Practicum projects in a public session and faculty and students have the opportunity to engage in discussion of their work.
Recent Capstone-Practicum Projects
Assessing the Impact of Teacher Specialization on Elementary Science Achievement: A Comparison between the US and Denmark - Marcelle Goggins
Skimming and Segregation in Charters: An Analysis of Charter vs. Traditional Public Schools Populations in Two Cities - Rebecca Ivester
Do Schools that Waive High Stakes Tests Do Better? A Study of the New York Performance Standards Consortium Schools - Jessica D. Coleman, Jessica L. Dawson, Myra S. Jacobs, and Nitzan Ziv
The Impact of Early Childhood Education on Children's Non-cognitive Outcomes - Zijian Huang, Uyen (Sophie) Nguyen, and Jiarui Zhang
Does Violent Crime Affect Student Achievement? Evidence from Chicago, Illinois - Charmaine S. Lester
Center for Public Research and Leadership
As an alternative to the traditional Capstone-Practicum course, you may apply to participate in the Center for Public Research and Leadership (CPRL). This option can be utilized to complete your capstone program requirement.
Learn About CPRL