Foundation of Public Policy

Sample Solution

Policy

My chosen cognate interest is education, and the policy that interests me most is universal pre-K. Universal pre-K is a policy that would provide all children with access to high-quality preschool, regardless of their income or family background.

Why

I believe that universal pre-K is a critical policy because it can help to close the achievement gap between children from high- and low-income families. Research has shown that high-quality preschool can help children to develop the cognitive, social, and emotional skills that they need to succeed in school.

Full Answer Section

Universal pre-K would also be a benefit to working parents. It would provide them with a safe and affordable place to leave their children while they are at work. This would allow parents to focus on their jobs and to be more productive.

Policy Goal

My policy goal is to see universal pre-K implemented in the United States. I believe that universal pre-K would be a major investment in the future of our country. It would help to ensure that all children have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.

Key Features of the Public Policy Environment

Three key features of the public policy environment that are relevant to universal pre-K are:

1. Public opinion: Public support for universal pre-K is high. A 2020 poll by the Pew Research Center found that 71% of Americans support universal pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds.
2. Interest groups: There are a number of interest groups that are advocating for universal pre-K. These groups include the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Head Start Association.
3. Government structure: The federal government plays a role in funding pre-K programs, but the primary responsibility for education lies with the states. This means that any universal pre-K policy would need to be implemented at the state level.

How These Features Have Shaped or Will Shape Debate on This Policy Issue

Public opinion: The high level of public support for universal pre-K is a positive factor for those who are advocating for this policy. It suggests that there is a strong demand for universal pre-K, and that it is a policy that is supported by a majority of Americans.

Interest groups: The fact that there are a number of interest groups that are advocating for universal pre-K is also a positive factor. These groups can help to build public support for universal pre-K and to lobby state and federal governments to implement this policy.

Government structure: The fact that education is primarily a state responsibility is a challenge for those who are advocating for universal pre-K. It means that there would need to be a significant effort to convince states to adopt universal pre-K programs.

Overall, the public policy environment for universal pre-K is relatively favorable. There is strong public support for universal pre-K, and there are a number of interest groups that are advocating for this policy. However, the fact that education is primarily a state responsibility is a challenge for those who are advocating for universal pre-K.

Conclusion

I believe that universal pre-K is a critical policy that would help to close the achievement gap and benefit working parents. I am hopeful that universal pre-K will be implemented in the United States in the near future.