The APA Division 15 Policy Committee invites Division 15 members and educational psychology researchers to submit policy briefs for publication as part of the Division 15 Policy Brief series. The briefs synthesize and reconceptualize educational psychology research to address policy issues of importance.
The goals of this initiative are to:
- Generate interest in education policy issues.
- Create opportunities for educational psychologists to disseminate their policy-related research.
- Communicate policy-related research in an easily digestible, timely, and actionable manner.
We encourage scholars with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply. Policy briefs should address timely education policy issues and make explicit connections with the field of educational psychology.
Qualifications
Authors must be researchers in educational psychology and must be fellows, members, associates, or affiliates of APA Division 15. Individuals who are not currently APA Division 15 members should consult the Division’s website on how to become a member at www.apadiv15.org/join. Applicants must have a conferred doctoral degree; however doctoral candidates can be included as co-authors. Applications will be considered from individuals working in educational organizations (e.g., higher education institutions, school districts), advocacy organizations, policy and research centers, or other organizations that include a research ethics committee. Example policy briefs are also available on this website under the publications link.
What to Submit and How the Brief Will Be Assessed
Members of the APA Division 15 Policy Committee will blind review submissions along with expert external reviewers (when possible) to identify which briefs will be accepted. Briefs should not exceed 1,250 words (reference section does not count towards the word count). Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria using a 5-point scale:
- Description of Topic/Problem Area: Author adequately describes the topic area that is the focus of the brief and describes who the policy impacts and how.
- Description of Scope: Author describes the target audience – to whom is the policy brief aimed and why.
- Connections Between Educational Psychology and Education Policy: Author makes connections between educational psychology concepts/areas (theoretical and/or empirical) and education policy.
- Timeliness/Relevance of Topic: Author addresses a topic that is current and timely and of widespread interest to policymakers.
- Policy Recommendations: Author clearly stipulates recommendations (and supporting arguments). Author clearly stipulates (where and when relevant), short, mid, and long-term recommendations.
- Accessibility of Language: Language is clear, concise, and engaging.
- Author Includes Potential Reviewers (1-2 experts from the field) and References.
Policy Brief Timeline 2023-2024
- February 2, 2024 – Deadline for policy brief submission.
- March 8, 2024 – Selections are finalized, and authors are notified. Selected authors receive feedback from the committee and any expert reviewers.
- April 12, 2024 – Deadline for final policy briefs.
Resource Information for Policy Brief Writers
Some additional questions to consider when writing your policy brief are included below:
- Why is this policy issue important?
- Who do you hope to impact with this policy brief?
- Clearly stipulate recommendations (and supporting arguments) and the target policy audience (national, state, local—whichever ones are most relevant).
- Are the proposed recommendations realistic (consider issues from a financial, time, and staffing perspective)?
Please submit your brief here: https://forms.gle/FJsYGZHonwEXxjaS7
Questions? Please contact Dr. Diana Zaleski, [email protected]