3 pre-trip sessions: October 16, November 14, December 3, 2007;
Federal Policy Institute: January 7-11, 2007; 2 post-trip sessions: February 7, 11, 2007

The Federal Policy Institute is designed to give students in PreK-12 and higher education a firsthand opportunity to meet with key policy leaders around the most crucial contemporary policy issues. Participants will gain a theoretical grounded, practical, hands-on experience leading to a clearer understanding of the nuances and realities of American educational policy-making. Key themes will include: the enduring vales of American education and how they shape current policy; current issues in national educational reform; and the role of the federal government in shaping educational policy. While in Washington, students will have the opportunity to interact with leading policy-makers from the legislative and executive branches of government. In addition, there will be opportunities to better understand the role that professional organizations, media, the business community, and interest groups play in impacting the policy process. Finally, each student will select a paper topic of specific policy interest and will meet with key leaders in Washington to explore the issue in greater depth. The policy paper and mock testimony will be presented upon return from Washington.