Study On P-16 Education Reform In U.S.A From The Policy Analysis Perspective

With the development of China's senior secondary education and higher education, the problem of disconnection between the two education periods becomes more and more outstanding. P-16 education in U.S.A is about a seamless and integrative education reform. The continuation between K-12 and higher education is a very important part of P-16. The thesis tries to give some suggestions on how to establish a smooth continuation between senior secondary education and higher education through comparing and analyzing the seamless and integrative P-16 education reform in the four states in U.S.A, including Georgia, Maryland, Oregon and California. This thesis is composed of three chapters. Chapter One introduces the purpose and methods of the study, explains the concept of P-16, and reviews the former studies. Chapter Two is developed into 4 sections. The present condition of connection between K-12 and higher education is analyzed and studied in every section in the four states, respectively, Georgia, Maryland, Oregon, and California. Chapter Three compares and analyzes the measures adopted to connect K-12 and higher education in the four states. In the conclusion, the thesis put forwards several suggestions to better connect senior secondary education and higher education, including, developing the accountability mechanisms, establishing the communicating signals, aligning standards and assessment, building the date system, rethinking the curriculum.