The U.S. is in the midst of great upheaval concerning conflicts over educational policies. Many factors influence how regulators establish the direction of academic communities, dozens of which are at the center of the debate. Policymakers use psychology, sociology, political science, economics and statistics to develop an evidence base for educational policy expansion and improvement.
Exploring these social sciences is the cornerstone of creating sustained, lasting adjustments and development in learning environments. Contemplating and deliberating everyday issues and best practices in education keeps the dialogue conscious and engaged.
Experts in social science are in high demand. Authorities in these disciplines assist educational leaders with building the critical foundation upheld and supported by educators in the classroom to help students become contributing members of society.
Professionals with master’s and post-master’s education in the social sciences who aspire to ascend to top leadership roles in education might consider the Arkansas State (A-State) online Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program. Expanded career opportunities for graduates might include superintendent, instructional coordinator, school principal and university professor.
Social Science Influences Policymakers
There are different approaches to fostering safe and diverse learning environments. Juliane Baron, the Director of Government Relations for the American Educational Research Association (AERA), says social science informs effective, efficient and equitable education policies.
In a Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) blog post, Baron explains that education science, which draws on diverse social science disciplines, informs policymakers at every turn. Not only does education science challenge what many policymakers, educators and individuals might believe, but it also directly contradicts many of those beliefs.
Schools perform critical functions at the center of modern society. We depend on our learning institutes for cultural and social innovation, socialization and integration, bringing ethical leadership practices and best practices that integrate theory and research to the core of the education science debate.
Shaping the Education Foundation
To understand how education systems work and help build a better teaching and learning foundation, social scientists continue to develop logical theories that provide insight into classroom interactions and teaching methods. These theories help in all aspects of reforming and shaping the foundation of education.
Researchers say education is not only influenced by social policy; education is social policy. How communities decide to fund and operate schools, colleges and even early learning centers will likely affect academic outcomes and many other economic, social or political conditions.
Action research has emerged from a growing understanding among education reformers that educational improvements will go nowhere without the active participation of teachers. This field is shifting the paradigm of recent educational changes. Researchers agree that by situating teachers as learners, action research can change teaching systematically and intentionally. The nature of the daily work of education and how teachers learn is complex, making their active participation in educational research critical.
Building Better Citizens
School districts work with social scientists to find ideal ways to improve education and build better classroom citizens. Social scientists study human behavior at various levels and are highly sought after in school districts. Graduates of a social science degree program can become social scientists focusing on political science, psychology or economics.
The dynamic and constantly changing social science field helps us understand who we are, what we do and where we might be going in the future. A Frontiers in Education article validates that education research draws widely from the social sciences. To that end, teachers who can impart the importance of social studies are a rare commodity.
Working educators looking to take their career to the next level should consider getting an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Professors in A-State’s program include former superintendents, principals and other higher education leaders with considerable knowledge and experience teaching.
Learn more about A-State’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program.