Equity and Fairness: Building Relationships that Bridge Gaps

Session Type: Organized Discussion

Abstract

As our nation continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact, our marginalized students continue to recover from the years of racism and inequities that preceded the pandemic. While progress is noted in both areas, it is slow. Much work lies ahead of us, particularly in equity. The work towards educational equity and social justice has been exhausting but advocates nationwide continue to advance the work by challenging long-standing beliefs and promoting new pathways. Despite some progress, passionate advocates continue to push for much needed change to our current education, assessment, and accountability systems. Change will require us to build relationships and come together as champions. This session does just that. Panelists will utilize their diverse experiences to explore the benefits of bridging gaps within and between existing advocacy organizations; between research and practice; between federal, state, and local leaders. The challenge? No gap will or can be bridged without building relationships first. The goal? To highlight the efforts of some of our most respected equity in assessment advocates as they discuss the importance of building relationships that improve our educational instruction and assessments especially for those most historically marginalized.

Sub Unit

• Individual Papers, Innovation Demonstrations, Coordinated Sessions, or Organized Discussions

Session Organizers

• Elda Garcia, Curriculum Associates

• Christina Laster, Parent and Family Advocate

Presenters

• Maria Armstrong, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents

• Molly Faulkner-Bond, WESTED

• Jade Caines Lee, UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS