Losing in Las Vegas: The Politics of Demography, Diversity, and District-Led School Reform in the West

• In Event: Convergence and Disjunction in School Desegregation

Abstract

Despite extensive reform efforts by large, urban school districts to remedy legacies of educational inequality within their systems, mandatory and voluntary desegregation plans have resulted in much reform, but little to no real change (Payne, 2008). The often-strained relationships that exist between school districts and historically underserved communities as a result of unfulfilled promises for equal education create real barriers to future reform efforts. This case study of the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada examines the intersection of educational inequality, politics of demography and diversity, and district-led school reform efforts designed to equalize educational opportunities in historic West Las Vegas. It concludes with implications for future efforts to promote inclusive and high-achieving schools in the U.S. West.

Author

• Sonya Douglass Horsford, University of Nevada - Las Vegas