Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This is a Policy paper on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Below are the requirements.
Social policy analysis papers critically evaluate the effectiveness of social policy. By understanding the outcomes of these policies and making recommendations, social workers inform future decision making.
1. Students will select a policy below* and conduct an analysis of a specific federal juvenile or child
welfare policy (approved by Instructor).
2. The policy analysis should be 12 – 13 pages and follow APA format.
3. A minimum of 12 sources are required (acceptable sources include journals, reports, statutes, legislative histories, and committee hearings/reports).
4. Citations and Reference page must be in APA format
5. Title page, Abstract, and References are not included in the page limit.
The policy analysis should include the following sections:
1. Abstract: Summary
2. Introduction to the Social Problem: Introduction to the social problem the policy is designed to address
3 . Background or History of Policy: Describe the historical development and original intent of the policy and how it attempts to address the social problem in question.
4. Underpinning Values: Which NASW values underpin the policy?
5. Unintended Consequences: Unexpected impact of the policy
6. Recommendations for the Policy: What’s your suggestion for improvement?
7. Conclusion: Sum it all up
Policy Paper Outline
This outline is meant to serve as a guide in assisting you with writing the sections of your analysis. This is not a comprehensive list of items to address, but a minimum of what should be addressed.
I. Introduction to Problem or Social Issue
This section introduces your entire paper. This section may include facts, data, and statistics that demonstrate you have evaluated the social problem/issue the policy is addressing. Discuss the problem/issue and transition by connecting the
policy/legislation created for solution. However, AVOID just presenting facts in the introduction.
1. What historical problems led to the creation of the policy?
2. How important have these problems been historically?
3. How was the problem previously handled?
4. Why is the issue important?
II. Introduction/Background to Policy
This section discusses in detail the elements of the policy.
1. When did the policy originate?
2. How has the original policy changed over time?
3. What is the legislative history of the policy
4. How will the policy help to address the problem?
III. Underpinning Values of Policy
This section will discuss which of the 6 NASW values underpin the policy.
1. How does the specific NASW values underpin the policy?
2. How are these values reflected in the writing of the policy?
IV. Outcomes & Unintended Consequences
This section identifies the outcomes as well as the unintended consequences of the policy. You will identify policy outcomes, results, negative, unanticipated or unforeseen consequences of a seemingly well-intentioned piece of legislation. This
section may include facts, data, and statistics that demonstrate you have evaluated the outcomes and the unintended consequences of the policy.
1. What are the criteria, formal or informal that will be used to determine
whether the policy is effective?
2. Did the policy contribute to greater social equality?
SOCW 5363 J. SLAUGHTER
3. Did the policy contribute to a better quality of life for the target population?
4. What were the unanticipated or unintended consequences of the policy once implemented?
V. Alternatives and Recommendations for the Policy
This is where you present opposing views and recommendations to your policy. You should document alternatives or recommendations in a way that demonstrates you have researched both sides of the issue. Your recommendations or alternatives to the policy should leave the reader feeling that you are a credible source to write about the policy. This section will include facts, data, and statistics that demonstrate you have evaluated your policy.
1. How is the policy flawed?
2. What, if any, modifications should be made in the policy?
3. Are there alternative policies that would be preferable?
4. How feasible is the implementation of the policy?
VI. Conclusion
Do not put any new statistics nor introduce a new idea into the conclusion. This is where you wrap up your proposal and demonstrate a critical concluding thought.
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