Using Research to Promote Equity Within Education Systems: Possibilities and Barriers

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Equity and Social Inclusion in School Policy and Practice

Abstract

This paper will provide an evaluative account of its authors involvement in three major national improvement initiatives that are focused on the promotion of equity. Unusually, it will do this by comparing evidence collected from an insider perspective with data generated through independent evaluations. In so doing, it will consider how research and researchers can contribute to such developments. The paper will argue that this requires the coming together of different perspectives in a process of social learning and knowledge creation within particular settings. This means that researchers have to develop new skills in creating collaborative partnerships that cross borders between actors who have different professional experiences. They also need to mobilise support in dealing with the pressures this involves.

Authors

• Mel Ainscow, University of Manchester

• Christopher James Chapman, University of Glasgow