Evaluating Systemic Barriers: Lessons From Using an Equity Audit Tool in Two Massachusetts Districts

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 12:40 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Answering the Call: Building Knowledge to Advance Equity Aims (Table 8)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and protests against racial injustice have highlighted educational inequities, driving U.S. school districts to implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) reforms. Traditional climate surveys often fall short by focusing on average experiences and comparing them to privileged standards. To address these limitations, our organization updated the Equity Audit Tool, originally created in 1994, to reflect current understandings of educational equity. This tool uses an intersectional, asset-based, and liberatory design framework to evaluate school policies and practices. This paper examines the tool's application in two Massachusetts districts, demonstrating how it uncovers equity gaps and identifies strengths in areas like school climate and social-emotional well-being, advancing meaningful educational improvements.

Authors

• Katarzyna Razynska, MAEC

• Miranda Best, Mid Atlantic Equity Consortium

• Vo Ram Yoon, Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium

• Ian Rashleigh McNally, MAEC

• Jenny Portillo Nacu, MAEC

• Rita Perez, MAEC