Methodological Pluralism for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Implementation and Impacts of School Security Equipment

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This session presents a multi-phased, multiple methods study examining the impact of school security equipment (SSE) grant funding on students and schools in Virginia. Papers detail a fuzzy dynamic regression discontinuity design, a novel web-scraping approach to track security-related spending, qualitative interviews and surveys with administrators, and a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) phase led by student co-researchers. The session highlights how diverse methodologies—including causal inference, qualitative inquiry, computational tools, and youth-led research—can work in concert to generate more nuanced, equitable understandings of school safety. A moderated discussion will engage participants in exploring the methodological and ethical implications of this approach and the value of youth-generated evidence in shaping school safety policy and practice.

Sub Unit

• Division D - Measurement and Research Methodologies / Division D - Section 4: Multiple and Mixed Methodologies

Chair

• Meagan Call-Cummings, Johns Hopkins University

Papers

• Using Quasi-experimental Methods to Understand the Effects of School Security Investments on Schools and Students - Lucy Sorensen, University at Albany - SUNY; Samantha L. Viano, George Mason University; Antionette Stroter

• Web-scraping for School Security Spending - Benjamin W. Fisher, University of Wisconsin - Madison; Samantha L. Viano, George Mason University; Sai Kumar Koneti, George Mason University

• Understanding School Security Equipment Decision-Making: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation Design - Trevor Fronius, WestEd

• Using Youth Participatory Action Research to Better Understand the Effects of School Security Equipment on Students - Meagan Call-Cummings, Johns Hopkins University

Session Organizer

• Meagan Call-Cummings, Johns Hopkins University

Discussant

• Samantha L. Viano, George Mason University