Developmentally Responsive Design to Increase Equity in Middle Schools: An Action Research Case Study

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Division H Roundtable on Applied Research in Schools (Table 2)

Abstract

Traditional approaches to middle grades education have failed to adequately meet the unique needs of young adolescents. The present study evaluated a research-practice partnership aimed at improving middle grades education by redesigning school structures to both align with students’ developmental needs and build on their assets to promote thriving. Employing a design-based approach – centered on equity and developmental science – researchers and educational coaches worked with school teams (e.g., multidisciplinary groups of 5–7 middle grades educators) to identify schoolwide equity concerns and generate relevant, developmentally-aligned solutions. Results contribute important findings for understanding how redesign efforts can be used to create and implement culturally responsive school structures that facilitate positive developmental trajectories and promote equity in the middle grades.

Authors

• Faith Zabek, University of Virginia
  Presenting Author

• Ashlee Lester Sjogren, University of Virginia
  Presenting Author

• Nancy L. Deutsch, University of Virginia
  Non-Presenting Author

• Shereen El Mallah, University of Virginia
  Non-Presenting Author

• Detajha Woodson, University of Virginia
  Non-Presenting Author