A Review of Equity Indicators; What are we Actually Measuring?

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 1:45pm
  In Poster Session: Poster Session II -- AERA Division D Section 1: Measurement, Psychometrics, and Assessment

Abstract

Political pressures and media discussions in Spring 2025 revealed widespread public confusion about DEI concepts. Even within the research community, Equity lacks a consistent definition and is often conflated with Equality in measurement assessments. Still, many educational organizations articulate mission, vision, and strategic goals focused on equity. This study investigated how the education research field evaluates and measures Equity through indexes, assessments, audits, and surveys. Findings show the definitions and concepts of equity vary, but equity is generally applied through the disaggregation of data or ratings of practices and policies within the organization. Concerns are discussed with questionable analyses being used which may perpetuate stereotypes and focus on equality instead of equity.

Authors

• Courtney Donovan, University of Colorado - Denver

• Angela Rexwinkle, University of Colorado - Denver

• Abbey Eversole, University of Colorado - Denver

• Abigail B. Rose, University of Denver

• Rachel N. Robinson, University of Colorado - Denver

• Emilie Waggoner, University of Colorado - Denver