Resource roundup: Equity

By Maggi Ibis
July 24, 2020

Schools nationwide are prioritizing a commitment to improving equity in the classroom and beyond. These resources from the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) network focus on equity as it relates to opportunity gaps, teacher diversity, culturally responsive practice, social and emotional learning, and remote learning. For more on REL Midwest’s equity work, see this message from our director.

Opportunity gaps

Through the Midwest Achievement Gap Research Alliance, REL Midwest partners with state and local education agencies to narrow opportunity gaps and improve outcomes for Black students. Focused initially on Wisconsin, work has expanded to Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, including projects examining the intersection of school discipline, race, and student outcomes.

• A systematic literature review and companion infographic [348 KB ] present evidence-supported strategies associated with academic success for Black students. A related video, Supporting Black Students’ Excellence, illustrates how Wisconsin’s Racine Unified School District is using several of the strategies to improve Black students’ outcomes.
• A virtual training on equity for school boards and district superintendents is designed to raise awareness about opportunity gaps that Black students face and evidence-based practices to address those gaps. A recording and slide deck are available.
• The documentary High Hopes and Higher Education: Honoring Black Students’ Aspirations, produced in collaboration with PBS Wisconsin, showcases promising practices to support Black students on their journey to postsecondary education. A viewing guide is available.

Teacher diversity and equity

• A REL Mid-Atlantic infographic presents research evidence describing how a more diverse teaching force may improve educational outcomes for students of color [461 KB ]. For example, one study found that Black students from preschool to grade 3 who were taught by Black teachers for one year tested higher in mathematics and reading than Black students taught by White teachers.
• These REL Northwest meeting materials, produced for the Washington State Vibrant Teaching Force Alliance, describe human resources practices for recruiting, selecting, and retaining teachers of color [354 KB ].
• In this infographic, REL Southwest draws on an Ask A REL response to highlight research-based strategies for recruiting a diverse teacher workforce [91 KB ] that mirrors the student population.

Culturally responsive practice and equity

• This REL Mid-Atlantic fact sheet outlines steps for using culturally responsive pedagogy to teach diverse learners [592 KB ]. Strategies include supporting students’ sociopolitical consciousness by exploring social justice issues and collaborating with families to support student learning.
• A collaborative blog series from REL Mid-Atlantic and REL Pacific examines equity and culturally responsive practice in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first post summarizes the use of culturally responsive practices to foster learning in remote settings, and the second centers on addressing equity through student and family voice. A related infographic highlights strategies for using student and family voice to create culturally responsive learning environments [1,182 KB ].
• An ongoing REL Midwest applied research study is examining the outcomes for Wisconsin teachers of participating in a professional development program on culturally responsive practices. The study is slated to be published later this year.
• REL Northeast & Islands facilitated a two-part virtual workshop series on using data to promote culturally responsive teaching. Session 1 discusses preparing culturally responsive, data-literate teachers. Session 2 focuses on how and where to integrate culturally responsive data literacy [1,773 KB ].

Social-emotional learning, school discipline, and equity

• REL Midwest highlights equity-based practices that can support students’ social and emotional learning (SEL) in this infographic and the related webinar, blog post, and Ask A REL response.
• The COVID-19 pandemic poses unique social-emotional challenges to students. This REL Pacific blog post examines key considerations for promoting culturally relevant SEL during COVID 19.

Remote learning and equity

• Many districts are considering some degree of remote learning for the 2020/21 school year. To help educators bridge the digital divide, this REL Central fact sheet lists strategies to support learning along a continuum of Internet access [360 KB ]. A related webinar highlights district remote learning plans for reaching all students.
• Remote learning can create and magnify disparities for students. This REL Mid-Atlantic webinar explores the research on remote learning and related concerns for equity.
• Two FAQs from REL Northeast & Islands address how districts can support families’ access to technology during school closures [229 KB ] and how districts are providing meals for students who typically qualify for free and reduced-price lunches [214 KB ].
• Drawing on lessons from research and practice, this REL West webinar guides educators in engaging parents and students from diverse populations to support continued learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Featured strategies include cultivating a partnership orientation, practicing cultural responsiveness, and establishing two-way communication.

Ask A REL responses

The RELs have compiled research citations in response to several equity-related questions submitted to the Ask A REL reference desk:

• REL Midwest: What does the research say about effective practices for recruiting and retaining teachers of color?
• REL Midwest: What research and resources are available about the relationship between school leadership practices and culturally relevant education?
• REL Northwest: What does the research say about the effectiveness and implementation of restorative practices in schools?
• REL Southwest: Are there practices or policies that promote equity in enrollment in honors and advanced classes? What are the outcomes of those practices or policies?
• REL Southwest: What are effective strategies for increasing diversity in educator workforces?

See also REL Midwest’s resource roundup on equitable school discipline.

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