“This group helps me think, but we need systems that help us act”: Examining Educator Transformation, Equity, and Belonging in a District-Led Learning Community

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Sunday 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Collective Wisdom, Networked Action: Rebuilding School–Community Relationships for Equitable Futures

Abstract

This mixed-methods research study focuses on a research-practice partnership with a mid-Atlantic public school district. Our study focuses on increasing youth belonging and improving educator and leader awareness of cultural and linguistically diverse students and families. The study aims to contribute to knowledge about how districts implement equity policies through educator initiatives such as an equity group, and an immigration ad hoc working group, and how youth perceive and respond to the equity efforts of the district. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative data from educators and racially/ethnically minoritized youth during three years of fieldwork, we share educator perspectives of a district-led equity policy implementation process, and how youth perceive the racial climate of their schools and sense of belonging.

Authors

• Sophia Rodriguez, New York University

• Sofia Antonia Gomez-Doyle, New York University

• Lisa Lopez Escobar, University of Maryland

• Melissa Ortiz, New York University