UC students propose education reform solutions to state legislators

Stitzlein, an Education professor at the University of Cincinnati (UC), teaches the course CI 3010, also known as Save our Schools: Education Controversy and Reform. The course, offered by the University Honors Program, covers subjects like the public education system, education reform methods and common issues that impact students.

A key component of CI 3010 is connecting its students with impactful members of the education world. Throughout the semester, various groups and individuals visited the students, like Teach for America and Cincinnati Federation of Teachers—along with local teachers and superintendents.

Creating these presentations is part of a semester-long process for the students, according to Stitzlein. From the beginning of the school year, students in CI 3010 slowly build their expertise in the reality of the education world—starting with lessons about recent education controversies and ending the semester by putting forth their own opinions. This process is facilitated by a few educational methods-- all of which provide their own type of perspective on the realities of education. 

“[My students] learn how to critique educational reform initiatives by analyzing recent films that give conflicting accounts of what should be done to improve schools,” Stitzlein said. “Then, they learn how to put forward their own [opinions] using persuasive language and evidence to support their claims, which includes writing letters to school boards and other elected officials.”