Education Policy — Dr. Marianne A. Larsen

Education policy influences everything from classroom practice to system-wide priorities, yet the processes through which policy is developed, implemented and revised are often invisible to the public.

Education Policy Expertise

My research has focused on education policy, particularly teacher policy, including teacher evaluation, accountability, and the changing role of teachers within education systems. These studies, including contract research for Ontario’s Ministry of Education, along with my experience as a member of the school board policy committee have provided insights into policy making and implementation, and evidenced-based input into the development of educational policies such as teacher performance appraisals, safe schools and school councils.

Educational Policy: Examples of My Work

Stressful, Hectic, Daunting: A Critical Policy Study of the Ontario Teacher Performance Appraisal System

This is an article based on a mixed-methods, cross-Ontario study of the impacts of the Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA) system. It was published in the Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy (2009).

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Comparing Connecticut and Finland: Teacher Friendly Policies in an Age of Accountability.

This is a comparative study about teacher policies in Connecticut and Finland, published in Canadian and International Education (2006)

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A Critical Analysis of Teacher Evaluation Policy Trends.

This article is based on a study about teacher evaluation policies in Australia, Canada, the U.K. & the U.S. It was published in the Australian Journal of Education (2005)

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Professional Certification and Entry-to-Practice Assessments

I headed up a research team to prepared a report for the Ontario Ministry of Education (OME) on assessments that individuals take to be certified as teachers in different jurisdictions. Report for the Teaching Policy and Standards Branch, OME (2005).