Resegregation will not happen on our watch: The political and social context surrounding voluntary integration in Wake County Public School System

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.31.7464

Keywords:

education policy, school integration, politics of education, school board, critical policy analysis

Abstract

As resegregation occurs across the country, some school districts are pursuing voluntary integration. This qualitative case study uses critical policy analysis to explore the political and social contexts surrounding the early stages of developing a voluntary integration plan in Wake County Public School System, North Carolina. Through analysis of interviews with school board and community members as well as a range of documents, findings indicate that population growth and residential development, the proliferation of unregulated school choice, varied perspectives of community stakeholders, inequitable distribution of power and resources, and school board politics largely shape the process of developing a voluntary integration plan. Recommendations are provided for school district policies, cross-sector collaboration, and state-level policies that could strengthen the potential success of voluntary integration plans.

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Author Biographies

Jennifer B. Ayscue, North Carolina State University

Dr. Jennifer B. Ayscue is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on school integration in K-12 schools and federal education policy.

Daniela Barriga, North Carolina State University

Daniela Barriga is a doctoral candidate at North Carolina State University. Her research examines student-teacher race-matching outcomes and systemic inequities in K-12 education.

Elizabeth M. Uzzell, North Carolina State University

Dr. Elizabeth M. Uzzell is a postdoctoral research associate with the Partnership for Leaders in Education at the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on inequities in K-12 education, program evaluation, and systems change.

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Published

2023-02-21

How to Cite

Ayscue, J. B., Barriga, D., & Uzzell, E. M. (2023). Resegregation will not happen on our watch: The political and social context surrounding voluntary integration in Wake County Public School System. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 31. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.31.7464

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Articles