• Define the problem
• Gather evidence
• Identify causes
• Evaluate a policy
• Develop solutions
• Select best solution
• Benefits & Costs
• The Prince System
• Political Strategies

• Information Tools
• Problem Resources
• Teacher Information
• Help

Introduction

A fundamental responsibility of schools is to prepare students for effective citizenship in a democratic society. To do so, schools should function as laboratories of democracy. The members of the school community should play a role in influencing the policies that govern the school community. The Character Education Public Policy Analyst (CEPPA) is designed to help students, teachers and parents to maximize their participation as responsible citizens of the school community. The CEPPA will help all of the members of the school community to develop the following public policy skills:

• Identify the nature of a social problem
• Gather evidence to support the existence of the problem
• Determine the causes and factors contributing to the problem
• Evaluate the existing policy
• Develop public policy alternatives
• Determine the best public policy solution to the problem

• use the Internet to gather information,
• engage in collaborative problem solving, and
• communicate with knowledgeable people regarding public policy issues affecting the school community.

Now, it is time to consider the question,

Would you like to become a public policy analyst?