Beyond the Good Intentions of Policy: Research for Equity and Impact

Adai Tefera, Ph.D.April 11, 2015

Research for All

Photo taken from Christopher Connor, Urban Narratives: Portraits in Progress, 2007

My Story

Percentage of Students At or Above Proficient, 2013

Source: National Assessment Education Progress, U.S. Department of Education, 2013

School Context

Findings

❖ False Notion of Policy Neutrality Given Students’ Material Realities

❖ Institutional Limitations led to Incorrect Policy Implementation

❖ Flawed Assumption about Motivation

❖ Double Marginalization for Students of Color with Disabilities

Implications for Policy & Practice

❖ Provide space for students to be meaningfully involved

❖ Improve professional development for general and special educators

❖ Redefine equity beyond equality

❖ Collect data on students at the intersection

atefera@asu.edu

Thank you!