By Todd Finkelmeyer
UW–Madison’s Department of Educational Policy Studies (EPS) is dedicated to helping students deepen and expand their understanding of educational policy and practice.
To prepare change-oriented professionals who can address challenges in a range of learning environments, students develop vital knowledge and skills through impactful course readings, enlightening classroom lectures and discussions, group projects, and more.
Earlier this fall, students with the department also received the unique opportunity to get an up-close look at policy and policymaking during a trip to the Wisconsin State Capitol — bringing to life lessons learned in more traditional ways.
On Oct. 11, a group of 20 students, faculty, and staff from EPS met with Francesca Hong, who represents District 76 of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
“Our students want to understand every aspect of education policy, from the ‘nuts-and-bolts’ of education policy and what takes place at the Capitol to the enactment of policy in schools,” says EPS Associate Professor Erica Turner. “This was an opportunity to deepen that learning and to strengthen our intellectual community of undergraduates, MA students, PhD students and faculty.”
Much of the discussion with Rep. Hong in the Wisconsin State Capitol’s North Hearing Room centered on Wisconsin Act 266, which now requires Wisconsin public schools to teach Asian American and Hmong American histories. Rep. Hong co-sponsored the legislation and is Wisconsin’s first Asian American state legislator.
“This was a historic piece of education legislation in Wisconsin and EPS wanted an opportunity for students to learn more about how it came about and the context in which it was passed,” says Turner. “Our department is composed of learners, thinkers, and change-makers with diverse identities and unique passions who are dedicated to social justice and education. The passing of Wisconsin Act 266 this past April spoke significantly to us as a means of acknowledging and lifting voices of people from historically disenfranchised and underrepresented communities.”
The field trip — combined with assigned readings and classroom conversations — are giving students the tools they need to understand and engage in policy debates.
“This experience was powerful because it allowed me to see policymaking as a lived process rather than an abstract concept,” says Sofia Cuti, a UW–Madison junior who is pursuing a BS in the Educational Policy Studies program, in addition to a BA in English. “Being in the Capitol and speaking directly with a legislator gave me a more personal understanding of how laws are shaped by real people with real stories and challenges. This felt much more immediate and impactful than just reading about it, as it allowed me to witness first-hand the passion and overcoming of obstacles required to create change.”
Rep. Hong explained to the visitors from EPS how Act 266 was passed, shared thoughts on potential future education legislation, and took questions about Wisconsin government and politics.
“Having the opportunity to see in person how the educational policies and practices we’re studying are playing out in our state is invaluable,” says Claire Willett, who is pursuing a master’s degree from the Educational Policy Studies program. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to build community with, and get to know one of our lawmakers. I felt inspired to get more involved in legislative advocacy and hope to become more involved with the broader Wisconsin education community in the future.”
Rep. Hong provided the students with general information about the legislative process in the state, and also distributed “Wisconsin Blue Books,” which contain a wealth of information on state officers and governmental organizations, along with statistical information and articles of general interest.
“The most memorable part of the visit to the Capitol for me was hearing Rep. Francesca Hong talk about her journey into politics and her direct involvement as a representative in making meaningful changes in schools,” says Cuti. “Her personal experiences as an advocate who values inclusivity and justice add a sense of purpose to the idea of public service. It was inspiring to see someone so passionate about using their role to make a difference.”
Students also went on a tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol, learning about its history.
“Being in the Wisconsin State Capitol itself added to the significance of the experience,” says Cuti. “Hearing Rep. Hong speak about her work in the very space where policy decisions are made underscored the importance of her role and made the discussions feel more relevant.”
