17 Aug Conduct print and electronic media research using vetted sources on at least two cases of documented unequal access
Through this assignment, you will research a topic you choose concerning unequal access to the curriculum and resources due to race. You will ground your research in the literature, and at least two case studies of laws, policies, and practices addressing inequalities. You will also explore how this issue should be addressed as a curriculum leader. Review the attached rubric for this essay.
Conduct print and electronic media research using vetted sources on at least two cases of documented unequal access (Not limited to the State of Massachusetts) to the curriculum and other educational resources related to race. Analyze the cases using the following prompts and then write an essay to be published on the opinion page in any of the major print media on how to remedy the inequities described in your research.
Essay Format (This is an expository essay. The APA approach must be used)
Introduction: State what the issue is involving unequal access to the curriculum and other educational resources due to race. Ground the issue/problem in educational literature. You will need to use 3 – 6 resources throughout the essay. At least two of the resources must be current (published in the last 5-10 years).
1. Include a historical presentation using federal and state laws on equal access (Brown vs Board of Education, Lau vs Nichols, Massachusetts Education Reform Act, etc.) Cite the law or laws establishing the basis for addressing this issue. Include the title of the law, citing the source year and date. as well as a brief synopsis of the law. The issue must be focused on racial inequality. The law cited may include other students but the focus of the issue must be racial inequality.
2. What are the facts in the cases analyzed? You will need to analyze at least two cases concerning the issue. Focus on what you have seen or experienced in your workplace, or community, if possible.
3. Content Area issue (e.g. Under-enrollment in AP/College level courses or over-enrollment of students of color in special education, English Learners/Limited English Proficient)
Highly Qualified teachers
Technology
4. District Policies (Does the school district have a facially neutral policy or practice that produces an adverse impact on students of a particular race, color, or national origin when compared to other students?).
5. Recommendations (Present 3-4 strategies that you as the curriculum leader will use to remedy the issues in at least two cases analyzed in your essay).
Conclusion
List of References
Examples of laws addressing issues of unequal access:
Brown vs. the Board of Education, 1954, addresses the issue of segregated schools
Massachusetts Education Reform Act, 1993, addresses the issue of inequitable funding of schools and inequitable programs in schools
Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990, addresses the issue of discrimination against people with disabilities
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1990 (formerly Education for All Handicapped Children Act, 1975), addresses the issue of lack of free, appropriate public education for students
Title VI, Civil Rights Act, 1964, addresses the issue of:discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Examples of issues to research:
Overrepresentation of minority students in special education
Overrepresentation of English Language Learners in special education
Underrepresentation of minority students in advanced placement courses
Tracking students, particularly in mathematics, starting in middle school
Limited options for vocational students in higher-level courses
The inequity of resources for low-income students
Lack of access to at-home technology (wifi) for low-income students during the pandemic
