69.010 - Back to the Future: Reconsidering Resegregation of American Schools and Educational Opportunity

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

Resegregation is not just a localized phenomenon, but occurring across the United States. In the last 25 years, the number of schools that are 90% or more white has tripled to almost 20% of the nation’s schools. While initial research and policy focused on school desegregation and its potential benefits, the increasing number of schools that are racially and ethnically segregated has raised questions about research on these school settings and their outcomes. Questions about student experiences and potential advantages of segregated schools have caught the attention of education researchers. For instance, while research on desegregated schools traditionally indicates benefits for students, segregated school spaces also appear to support students along other dimensions. One of the tensions is between, on the one hand, learning about diversity and increasing interactions amongst different groups of students and, on the other hand, supporting non-dominant groups; identities and development. In this Presidential Session, education scholars discuss their research on school racial composition and share their unique perspectives on exploring the challenges of providing educational opportunities to all students. Panelists will consider the costs and benefits of segregated and desegregated schooling and discuss new directions for education research and policy in this area.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chairs

• Brett D. Campbell, Utah State Board of Education

• Zollie Stevenson Jr, Philander Smith College

Participants

• Tabbye Maria Chavous, University of Michigan

• Jeanne M. Powers, Arizona State University

• Roslyn Arlin Mickelson, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Jomills H. Braddock, University of Miami

Discussant

• Sonya Douglass Horsford, Teachers College, Columbia University