Moving Past “All Deliberate Speed”: An Action-Oriented Approach to School Integration Research

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 1:45 pm - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: The Community Matters: Toward Action-Minded Practice, Using a Photovoice Method, and Through Emotionally Intelligent Action Researchers/Educators

Abstract

The words “all deliberate speed” linger as schools remain highly segregated across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other intersectional identities. Such segregation continues to generate educational debt and harm. This work reflects upon the socio-historical context leading to continued school segregation, redefines the policy problem as the lack of substantive integration (i.e., racial and intersectional enrollment, restorative/transformative justice, inclusive relationships, equitable resource distribution, representation, and civic engagement opportunities), as well as offers concrete examples of schools, districts, non-profits, and social movements working toward integration. Lastly, this paper argues for the use of critical participatory action research (CPAR) to engage various interest holders in collective action efforts to better ensure that research translates to community knowledge and social justice transformation.

Author

• Liz D. Nigro, University of Virginia