MUST FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CLEARLY ! Make sure you label every section and cre

MUST FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CLEARLY ! Make sure you label every section and create a heading for them.
I have uploaded rubric make sure you look at that as well
Include graphs and pictures of statics
Instructions for the Policy Brief
In writing this paper, students should design the policy analysis as though it will be used by a policy maker to decide upon her or his support for initiating a policy modification/change. Papers should cover substantive policy issues, consider how the policy would affect various populations, and detail the consequences (especially focusing on equity and justice) of policy modification/change. This assignment REQUIRES proof that you consulted and integrated feedback from the writing center.
Step 1. Students must get their topic approved by the professor. Changing your topic without instructor approval will result in a failing grade.
Step 2. Written Criteria for Policy-Briefs
A policy brief is a form of public policy analysis that prompts you to think your way through a policy issue with an eye toward the development of alternatives and potential solutions. A policy brief presents extensive research in a short, succinct discussion. In contrast to a typical academic research paper, a policy brief is a form of professional writing that is explicitly position oriented, prescriptive, and normative. A policy brief defines a problem from a particular perspective and tells the audience what should be done about it. Guidelines for writing the policy brief are attached.
Students will be expected to submit a policy brief on a topic(s) pertaining to the subject matter of the course. These briefs may be no more than 10 pages in length (not counting references, tables, graphs, diagrams, figures, pictures, etc.), and should state the policy problem to be analyzed, the state of knowledge, remaining gaps in understanding, and possible policy implications.
GUIDELINES:
Use up-to-date data and sources including human sources you contact directly. A major criterion is timeliness and appropriateness of sources of information. But, DON’T DEPEND ON THE INTERNET ALONE – use regular library sources as well as journals, books, and even primary sources and field observation, if you can do so! DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA-USING WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE IS CONSIDERED A FATAL FLAW FOR YOUR PAPER.
If the issue is a very current “hot topic” you should also include references to public opinion and media sources which may be critical to addressing “timeliness”–i.e., what do actual public or decision-makers know and think about the issue at hand right now!
The focus should be on being concise, precise and balanced – as if you’re writing as a “policy advisor” or analyst for your “boss” or for a decision-making body that “needs facts and options” to consider before making a decision, e.g., Congressional Committee, Board, professional association, or client of some type.
Try to avoid jargon as much as possible–remember your audience is usually NOT specialists, but educated, busy decision-makers or the general public. Again, you are not trying to impress them with how much you know, but help them understand enough to make an informed decision.
Remember that in policy writing the goal is NOT to be exhaustive or overly-idealistic or theoretical, but realistic, practical, concise, persuasive, balanced, and applied. The goal is to present “doable” options that might lead to action or a change in strategy on the issue or problem you’re addressing.
Reference carefully and use a diversity of sources: academic journals, the Internet, TV/Radio, interviews with people, newspapers. References must be in annotated bibliography format. A minimum of 8 references is required (since you will be including the internet, radio, newspaper, etc.).
Enhance readability via careful use of bullets, headings, icons, text-boxes, and other graphical aids to facilitate quicker understanding of the key facts and issues.
When you use acronyms or abbreviations, spell them out or reference in footnotes (unless you’re sure it is common knowledge).
Use judiciously charts, graphs, maps, pictures to illustrate your key points! Be careful to give credit and cite appropriately (copying graphics from the Web without giving the original URL is not appropriate). List Figures consecutively and provides a short, concise caption.
Follow a standard Style Manual such as APA, and give appropriate credit, e.g., citations, Most important–be consistent and follow the same style.*
If needed – these are resources to help with understanding the purpose and power of policy briefs:
The main product you will create in this course to exhibit your learning is your own Policy Brief.
1) Please review this information
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which is a description of policy briefs.
2) Watch this brief video
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. Policy briefs are DIFFERENT than research papers. You want to write your policy brief as its intended purpose.
3) Click here
(Links to an external site.)
to see sample policy briefs from the NASW. These are great examples of what your policy brief will look like.