Jim Kemple, executive director of NYU Steinhardt’s Research Alliance for New York City Schools, is poised to begin his term as president of the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness (SREE) with a direct focus on equity and inclusion in education research.
Founded in 2005, SREE sought to supplement the work of other education-focused research organizations with an explicit focus on answering questions about the effectiveness of educational programs and policies.
“Education research is a broad and long-standing area, but 15 years ago there existed a gap in studies that would help the field understand how investments in new resources or curriculum changes did – or did not – make a difference in the lives of students, educators, or communities,” says Kemple. “SREE has worked to fill that space ever since.”
With much of his own research dedicated to questions around “what works and what doesn’t for whom and under what conditions,” Kemple has been a member of SREE since its inception. Over the years, he became increasingly involved, serving on the Board of Directors for three years as well as helping to organize SREE’s signature event – the annual research conference.
Held in person for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 SREE conference will be centered on the theme “From Reckoning to Racial Justice: Centering Underserved Communities in Research on Educational Effectiveness.”
“This year’s theme is the culmination of SREE’s strategic planning over the last two years and a laser focus on equity and inclusiveness,” says Kemple. “Under my presidency, we will actively begin to execute and implement strategies, procedures, and activities that promote equity and inclusion – not just for evidence to inform policy and practice, but also to ensure that the voices and perspectives of historically marginalized communities are included to better inform the field’s overall design and conduct.”
A world-renowned scholar on equity and racial justice, Dr. Ivory Toldson of Howard University will deliver the keynote address called “Numbers are People: Humanizing Data to Fight Racism in Research.”
Partnering for Greater Impact
SREE’s attention to real-world impact is reflective of Steinhardt’s own emphasis on addressing societal problems through innovative research.
“From the beginning, SREE has been populated by a wide range of Steinhardt faculty and students, including others who have served on the Board of Directors, on the editorial board for the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, and as conference chairs,” says Kemple. “For the past three years, Steinhardt graduates have also received the SREE Early Career Award.”
Steinhardt is an institutional member of SREE and will sponsor a reception following this year’s Hedges Lecture on “Observing Equity and Inclusion in Effectiveness Research,” delivered by Barbara Schneider of Michigan State University.
“I think that Steinhardt’s leadership has helped move SREE in this new and important direction, as well as provide a home for scholars who are trying to answer those big questions about understanding impact,” says Kemple. “Steinhardt’s enduring support for SREE over the years and our deep connections through multiple avenues has been a terrific benefit to both institutions, and I look forward to fostering more growth and collaboration as SREE president.”
Credit for this year's conference theme goes to Co-Chairs Nathan Jones of Boston University and Saroja Warner of WestEd, who crafted a program reflecting a laser focus on equity and inclusiveness.
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