Equity Research Services for School Districts, States, and Countries

I offer specialized equity research services designed to identify and address the root causes of educational inequality in school districts, state, or countries. I utilize comprehensive framework focuses on uncovering the policies and practices that contribute to gaps in opportunities and outcomes based on race, income, and other factors.

The SDS Triagle (Mizrav, 2023)

My equity research is built upon a robust understanding of how contemporary educational policies contribute to the creation and perpetuation of educational inequalities.I developed the SDS triangle as a guiding framework, which consists of three interdependent components: segregation, discrimination, and signaling. This model aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these factors collectively drive educational inequality.

• Segregation: Examining how school zoning and district boundaries contribute to racial and socioeconomic segregation. Segregation serves as a root cause for both discrimination and inequality, impacting educational outcomes directly and indirectly through associated discrimination.
• Discrimination: Analyzing disparities in resource distribution, such as funding, facilities, and access to educational materials across different schools. Discriminatory policies result in historically marginalized students receiving inferior resources.
• Signaling: Exploring the effects of school evaluation and rating policies, which often undervalue the quality of instruction in schools predominantly serving marginalized students. These signaling practices can perpetuate segregation and discrimination by influencing public perceptions and parental choices.

The SDS triangle model thus highlights the interdependent and multidirectional relationships between segregation, discrimination, and signaling, offering a renewed perspective on how educational policies continue to nurture inequality in the 21st century. Read more about it here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/08959048211029026

My Approach

1. Literature Review: I start with an extensive review of existing literature to understand the established drivers of educational inequality. This helps frame my research within a scholarly context and provides a foundation for my analysis.
2. Policy Analysis: I conduct a thorough analysis of current educational policies to identify those that contribute to inequality. I look at both historical and contemporary policies to understand their long-term impact.
3. Data Collection and Analysis: Using mixed research methods, I collect and analyze data to uncover complex relationships between policies and educational outcomes. This includes both qualitative data from interviews and focus groups, as well as quantitative data from school performance metrics and demographic information.
4. Case Studies: I incorporate case studies of successful educational equity initiatives to provide practical examples of how policy changes can close opportunity gaps. These case studies help inform my recommendations and offer a roadmap for implementation.
5. Final Report and Recommendations: My findings are compiled into a comprehensive report that includes actionable recommendations for policymakers and educational leaders. This report outlines the key drivers of inequality, their impact on students, and strategies for mitigating these effects.

How You Can Benefit

• Informed Decision-Making: Gain a deep understanding of the factors contributing to educational inequality in your area.
• Targeted Interventions: Identify specific policies and practices that need to be addressed to close opportunity gaps.
• Evidence-Based Solutions: Implement strategies backed by rigorous research and successful case studies.