Student-Centered Learning and Equity Project (for COSEBOC)

The project is a partnership between the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC) and Education Development Center (EDC). Its purpose is to examine the current framework for student-centered learning developed by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation based on community and practitioner knowledge and with a racial equity lens. It is expected to result in recommendations for changes in the SCL framework to better support racially-equitable education outcomes. The project began in January 2020.

Input will be gathered through a series of focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders in six designated New England communities (Boston, Worcester, Lawrence, Randolph, Burlington VT, and Providence). Local partners will lead recruitment and engagement efforts in their respective communities, particularly focusing on ensuring the engagement of participants from traditionally under-represented groups. Local partners will also provide important insights on local issues, assets, and viewpoints that will inform data collection activities and will serve as active participants in all such efforts. Within each community, separate focus group meetings will be conducted with (1) parents and community members, (2) high school students, and (3) local educators. Given the ongoing need for maintaining social distancing, all focus groups and interviews will be conducted by videoconference.  Focus group meetings will be facilitated by members of the COSEBOC/EDC team with active support by the local partner.