Applying Decision Models to Schools
September 18, 2008
This was posted on my old education policy blog, EdPol, on May 22, 2006.
As I was sitting in my decision models class last week, I realized that there is an excellent opportunity to apply optimization models to K-12 educational institutions. The basic idea of a decision model is to optimize a function. For example, in business, we would design a model that maximizes our profit function. This is known as the “objective function.” Next, we need to choose a series of “decision variables” that we can vary. In a business, this could typically be the individual department’s budgets. Finally, the model relies upon a series of “constraints.” In business, this could be fixed proportions of certain units to build a product. For example, if we were a construction company, we might need to buy Y nails for each X pieces of plywood.
In an educational setting, I imagine that the objective function could be maximizing student achievement. The decision variables could be various budget allocations. For example, the decision variables could be class size, teacher quality, curriculums, supplies, textbooks, IT systems, janitors, etc. Finally, the constraints on the system could be the amounts that are budgeted for certain types of activities. The constraints could also include costs of certain curriculums, or restrictions due to union contracts. Another constraint could be if we do not want our class size rising above a certain amount. But the decision model would ultimately optimize all the decision variables to create the best solution given the constraints.
Some businesses use decision models with millions of decision variables and thousands of constraints. I believe that decision models could be applied to making decisions in an educational setting. The textbook that our professor recommended for this class is: The Art of Modeling with Spreadsheets.
I did not even know that decision models existed until a few weeks ago. Yet, I imagine that I have been exposed to more business concepts than the average principal or school administrator. Therefore, I believe that there is a huge opportunity to implement optimization models across all levels of education.
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