The terrific trio of Hall, West, and Peterson have put together a very interesting Education Next article on public opinion and education policy. ????(While you're reading this piece, take the time to go through Ed Next's new and much-improved website.)
Though there are lots of interesting tidbits throughout the article (such as the public's stability of opinion and lack of information), the main thrust is about how both President Obama and researchers can significantly influence the policy debate. I gave Education Week my thoughts on why this is the case and what it means moving forward.