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Guides 

PolicyOptions Issue Brief Guide

• How to Use This Wiki 

• Getting Started, Creating New Pages, and Editing Pages 

• Issue Brief Structure and Templates

• This section provides an overview of the structure and templates you will use to create your issue brief. 

• Defining an Issue Brief Topic

• This section provides guidance on determining and defining your issue brief topic.

• Guide to Research Process - Overview

• Guide to Research Process - Issue Brief Sections

Below we explain what content should be found in each section of the issue brief and how it should be formatted on the wiki:

• Section 1 — Goal Statement 

• Section 2 — Scope of the Problem

• Section 3 — Past Policy and Program Milestones

• Section 4 — Current Policy and Programs

• Section 5 — Policy Options and Model Programs

• Section 6 — Key Organizations

• Section 7 — Glossary of Terms 

• Presenting the Issue Brief 

PolicyOptions Issue Brief Guide for Social Work Courses

Michael A. Dover, M.S.S.W., Ph.D., College Associate Lecturer, School of Social Work, Cleveland State University developed a guide to teach social work students how to research and present the PolicyOptions issue policy brief (with goal, problem, past policy and proposed policy sections).  His guide integrates competencies in analyzing, formulating and advocating for social policies.  Student briefs have been presented and have influenced current legislation and policy proposals.

• Issue Brief Guide for Social Work Course
• Cleveland State University Issue Brief Template.docx   
• Cleveland State Univ SWK 300 Policy Brief Rubric.docx
• Cleveland State Univ Policy Brief Rehearsal for Testimony Rubric.docx   

Background Readings

• Informing Communities: Sustaining Democracy in the Digital Age by the Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy
• Digital Literacy and Citizenship in the 21st Century by Common Sense Media
• Re-Imagining Journalism; Local News for a Networked World by Micheal Fancher
• Civic Engagement and Community Information: Five Strategies to Revive Civic Communication by Peter Levine
• Creating Local Online Hubs; Three Models for Action by Adam Thierer
• Rethinking Public Media; More Local, More Inclusive, More Interactive by Barbara Cochran