Policy in Education: Bridging the Gap between Rules and Humanity
Katie Colina, Dominique Smith, and Sarika Simpson
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Next generation learning is all about everyone in the system—from students through teachers to policymakers—taking charge of their own learning, development, and work. That doesn’t happen by forcing change through mandates and compliance. It happens by creating the environment and the equity of opportunity for everyone in the system to do their best possible work.
Policies should be designed to remove barriers, not create them, so that every student has a genuine chance to succeed.
In education, policy is often seen as something distant: a set of rules written in legislative documents, far removed from the daily experiences of students and teachers. But policy is not just paperwork. At its best, it is a living framework that shapes classrooms, supports educators, and creates opportunities for all students. At its worst, it can become a barrier.
Our shared experiences across classrooms, districts, advocacy, and policy have shown us that policy shapes far more than compliance checklists. It influences how teachers teach, how students learn, and how schools can (or cannot) adapt to real-world needs.
Policy as a Force for Humanity and Access
When we think about policy, we believe it must go beyond outcomes and honor the humanity of those it serves. While legislation can seem abstract, it is ultimately about people and lives. For policy to be effective, dignity, access, and opportunity cannot be privileges. They must be guaranteed.
We have seen the harm that overly rigid policies can cause. Rigid policy can stifle creativity, compassion, and even common-sense decision-making. Students, especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities, don’t just need better curriculum; they need better systems. Policies should be designed to remove barriers, not create them, so that every student has a genuine chance to succeed.
Keeping Policy Connected to Lived Experience
The best way to create human-centered policy is to listen to those closest to the work: students, teachers, school leaders, and families. Their lived experience should be the foundation for decision-making. This is how we ensure policies are both effective and equitable.
Policy is inevitable in education. The question is whether it will be a force for equity or a source of limitation. We believe that when policymakers and educators work together, when we ground decisions in compassion, inclusivity, and real-world experience, policy becomes more than a mandate. It becomes a tool for lasting change that supports humanity at large. Ultimately, good policy doesn’t just follow best practice; rather, it makes best practice possible.
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The authors: Dr. Katie Colina, Dr. Dominique Smith, and Sarika Simpson
Photo at top by Alexis Brown on unsplash
Katie Colina, Dominique Smith, and Sarika Simpson
Katie Colina (She/Hers), Expert in Government Relations and Educational Policy, Independent Consultant in Dallas, Texas
Dr. Katie Colina is a nationally recognized leader in education policy, government relations, and K–12 system transformation. With over 25 years of experience from the classroom to the executive level, she helps education leaders translate policy into sustainable, student-centered solutions. Known for her bipartisan approach and strategic insight, Dr. Colina has advised school systems nationwide and presented alongside national figures including former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Governor Jeb Bush. Her work continues to inform policy decisions, strengthen school systems, and ensure every learner has access to opportunity. Follow Dr. Katie Colina on LinkedIn.
Dominique Smith (She/Hers), Expert Leadership Coach and Advocate for Underserved Youth, Independent Consultant in Cordova, Tennessee
Dr. Dominique Smith is a seasoned educational leader with over 25 years of experience serving in both traditional and non-traditional school settings, with a deep commitment to supporting underserved student populations. Her career spans diverse roles, including educational consultant, director of education, program officer, principal, and English teacher. She holds lifetime Wisconsin licenses as a director of instruction, principal, English teacher, and alternative education teacher, and is also a certified life coach. A collaborative and mission-driven leader, Dr. Smith specializes in instructional and leadership coaching, school transformation, professional development, data-driven decision-making, and fostering inclusive, trauma-informed learning environments. She has facilitated professional development on high-quality instruction, trauma-informed practices, emotional intelligence, cultural relevance, and student engagement. In addition to her professional work, she actively contributes to the community by supporting a variety of cultural and educational initiatives.
Sarika S. Simpson (She/Hers), Leader in Equity Driven Transformation, Strategy, and Innovation, Independent Consultant in Dallas, Texas
Sarika S. Simpson is a seasoned executive leader in instructional programs, recognized for strategic vision, operational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to equity. She has driven revenue growth, improved profit margins, and scaled services to deliver high student success and satisfaction. With a master’s degree in educational leadership and doctoral studies in progress, Sarika blends academic expertise with experience as a K–12 teacher and administrator. She is a proven innovator in developing high-impact teacher preparation programs that strengthen instructional quality and student outcomes. Her leadership encompasses diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives, including founding multiple Employee Resource Groups and championing inclusive practices. A recipient of the Woman on the Move, Crystal Ruler, and Services Innovator awards, and a graduate of the Innovation for Equity Senior Leadership Fellowship, she is dedicated to advancing learning outcomes, fostering innovation, and improving lives through purposeful leadership. Follow Sarika Simpson on LinkedIn.
