Assignment: Ride-Along Documentary

📝 Description

Arrange and document a ride-along or job shadow with a government employee to see policy implementation at street level. This activity provides unique insight into bureaucracy in action.

Estimated Time: 4-6 hours plus documentation

Category: Higher Effort Activity

📋 Requirements

Arrange ride-along with government employee
Document full shift (4-6 hours)
Create photo essay showing 'day in the life'
Interview employee about policy implementation
Write 500-word analysis of street-level bureaucracy

✅ Complete/Incomplete Rubric

Student receives full points when ALL criteria below are met:

Arrangement and Preparation ✓

Proper permissions obtained
Background check/waivers completed if required
Appropriate dress and behavior
Safety protocols followed
Employee role clearly identified

Shift Documentation ✓

4-6 hour shift completed
Multiple activities observed
Challenges documented
Citizen interactions noted
Decision-making processes observed

Photo Essay Creation ✓

8-10 quality photos taken
Permission obtained for photos
Captions explain government work
'Day in the life' story told visually
Professional presentation

Employee Interview ✓

How policies affect daily work discussed
Discretion in implementation explored
Biggest challenges identified
Public misconceptions addressed
Job satisfaction factors discussed

Analysis (500 words) ✓

Meets word count requirement
Street-level bureaucracy concept applied
Policy vs. practice gaps identified
Employee discretion analyzed
Connects to course concepts
Shows understanding of implementation challenges