“All that is required for oppression to take hold is for good and well-meaning folk to do nothing.”
~ Geneva Smitherman “Toward a National Public Policy on Language” in The Skin That We Speak, (p.168)
OEE's Mission
The mission of the proposed Center for Educational Equity -- Office of Educational Equity -- will be to research and evaluate effective teaching strategies for closing the achievement gap between White students and African, Latino, and Native American students. The proposed center will comprehensively examine equity issues that affect the education of students of color and students of poverty. OEE will generate ongoing short- and long-term research studies, synthesize existing literature, and disseminate results. The Center will identify and develop collaborative relationships with existing programs to assist with research designs and evaluation of programs using equity methodologies. OEE values multiple sources of knowledge and approaches, including qualitative research, and the Center's role will be complementary, producing both quantitative and/or mixed-qualitative/quantitative results. The Center for Educational Equity will provide fellowships for scholars in residence who can generate major, scientifically rigorous, research studies on educational equity issues.
OEE's Vision
The Center for Educational Equity will hold a prominent, national leadership role in the production and dissemination of cutting-edge research on teaching effectiveness for students of color and students of poverty. CEE will be widely recognized for advancing the educational and social welfare of children of color and children of poverty.
Vision Elements
Conducting individual and collaborative research and evaluation that enables and advances innovative and effective instructional programs, professional practices, and public policy.
Identifying exemplary programs and efforts around the nation and collaborating with them to produce impact data.
Serving as advocates for children of color and children of poverty.
Influencing and leading policies that impact the education of children of color and children of policy.
Serving as a forum for public discourse and debate regarding educational equity issues through seminars, workshops, and courses.
Creating an electronic clearinghouse on information, resources, literature, and research relating to educational equity issues.