Assessment Task 3
| Assessment Type | Weighting | Word Count | Week Due |
| Report | 40% | 3,000 words | 11 |
Assessment Task
You are to write a report comparing two different policy approaches to a contemporary social issue.
Examples of policy approaches to consider:
· Harm minimisation versus abstinence in drug policy
· Compulsory income management versus spending autonomy for welfare recipients
· Restorative justice versus incarceration
· Adoption versus family support programs
· Public versus private human services delivery
· medical cannabis prescription versus prohibition
- assisted dying versus a ban on euthanasia
Note: choose one from the topics listed above.
Assessment Scaffold
Introduction
Outline the issue you are examining, the key populations this affects, the different government departments and levels of government who currently respond to this issue.
Body of Report
For each of the policy approaches outline:
· A broad overview of the policy approach, the key theory of government and the social values or philosophies that underpin it
· The policy objectives of the approach and key policy documents that reference this
· Some examples of how this approach has been described and framed in media discussions
· A critique of the human rights implications of this policy approach and whether the policy or elements of the policy could be considered oppressive
· An assessment of the evidence for the effectiveness of the policy, including information from formal evaluations if it is available
· In what circumstances this policy approach could be considered an appropriate response to an issue
· In what circumstances could this policy approach could be an inappropriate response to an issue
Integrating paragraphs and action plan
Consider each policy approach and describe which approach you broadly consider to be the most helpful in addressing the key social issue. Discuss how you would advocate for this including how you would balance the competing claims offered in the other approach. Outline at least two strategies you could use to advance your claim. Support your position with reference to human rights legislation and/or the AASW code of ethics.
Conclusion
Write a conclusion that briefly outlines the key case you have made for the best policy approach to the issue.
Assessment Criteria – Task 3
1. Relevance of answer to topic
2. Key issue being examined is outlined including information on population groups and government departments that address this
3. Assertions are supported with relevant academic sources, government reports, and other relevant references
4. Policy positions are reported and analysed
5. Position taken is argued for logically and consistently
6. Critical reflection as to how human rights are addressed in these policy positions and whether position is oppressive
7. Main ideas are clearly and logically presented
8. Each element of the report has been addressed
9. Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation used throughout
10. Academic style guidelines followed as outlined in the learning support website https://sls.navitas-professional.edu.au/academic-writing-0 and first/third person writing style is applied where relevant
11. Referencing using APA (6th edition) conventions
12. Word count is within + or -10% of requirement
