Diversity and Isolation Indicators of Spatial Segregation Within and Across School Districts

• In Event: 18.073 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 18.073-10 - Applied Research in School: Education Policy and School Context

Abstract

With the conference theme “using knowledge to achieve the promise of equal educational opportunity,” this research studies patterns of spatial segregation for diversity and isolation dimensions within and across Missouri school districts. Evaluating segregation from a critical spatial perspective emphasizes the importance of place for equal opportunity with diverse student populations. Spatial analysis using GIS maps diversity and isolation dimensions of segregation using racial census tracts. This spatial approach enhances understanding about the location and extent of diversity and isolation. It shows statistically significant high and low diversity clusters, along with nearby areas of contrasting diversity. A methodological contribution is implementation of a local spatial approach to quantifying segregation dimensions that more accurately represent how they operate across geographic space.

Authors

• Mark Hogrebe, Washington University in St. Louis

• William F. Tate, Washington University in St. Louis