Equity Trials and Triumphs at the Intersection of District-Wide and Special Education Ecosystems

• In Event: The Pursuit of More Equitable Systems in Special and Inclusive Education

Abstract

This paper explains how a district-wide equity ecosystem in a mid-sized urban school district in a northeastern state and its special education ecosystem converged, diverged, and morphed over the course of the 2020-2021 school year amidst the COVID-19 health crisis and the racial upheaval associated with the murder of George Floyd. We illuminate what elements of these two ecosystems were fortified during this time period and what elements were challenged. We also unpack how the equity ecosystem intersected with the special education ecosystem to engender change during a time of disruption. We conclude with recommendations for research, policy, and practice.

Authors

• Catherine Kramarczuk Voulgarides, Hunter College - CUNY
  Presenting Author

• Sarah L. Woulfin, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author

• Natasha M. Strassfeld, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author

• Isabel Meltzer, Hunter College - CUNY
  Presenting Author