Identifying and Supporting Key Actors in Community-Engaged Change Efforts for Educational Justice

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Education Justice and Equity: Calls for Action in the Field of Educational Change and Beyond (Table 7)

Abstract

This study utilizes social network analysis to examine connections between pre-service teachers, families, and advocates engaged in an educational justice initiative. Novel metrics identified key actors based on network position and strategic connections. The analysis revealed disconnected groups, indicating a need for bridge-building. Faculty and community members with high integration scores emerged as critical information sources and connectors to empower change efforts. Identifying and supporting these key actors within the networks provides a roadmap for dismantling inequity and enabling community-engaged possibilities for more just education.

Authors

• Jeremy F. Price, Indiana University - Indianapolis

• Cristina C. Santamaria Graff, Indiana University - Indianapolis

• Akaash Arora, Indiana University - Indianapolis

• Amy Waechter-Versaw, Indiana University

• Román Graff, Ball State University