Interpretations of Equity and Sustainability in Computer Science Policy
Open AccessSuccessful polices are usually implemented with the expectation of sustainment and education policies are no exception. In addition, education policies are often motivated by equity, even if the visions for equity are not explicitly described. The combination of ambiguously defined equity and the assumption of sustainability can lead to changes in, and dilution of, a policy’s original intents in ways that could leave a policy unrecognizable or ineffective in achieving its goals. This qualitative study sought to understand how equity is understood in the context of one state’s computer science (CS) policy, as well as expectations for sustaining the policy over time. The framework included examining equity using a distinction between inputs and outcomes, as well as a distinction between equal or differentiated inputs and outcomes. Conceptions of sustainability were explored by identifying what was sustained and how it was sustained.District CS leaders in one state were interviewed to understand how sustainment of the state’s CS policy was understood and how equity was conceptualized in the context of the policy. This study revealed that district leaders’ understanding of equity was dominated by beliefs that equalizing inputs would lead to differentiated, but proportional, student outcomes. Regarding sustainability, district leaders saw it as continuation of demand and supply of relevant CS courses in high schools. They described their role in sustainment as (1) increasing student enrollment, (2) fostering buy-in from families and school staff, and (3) recruiting, training, and retaining qualified teachers. The district leaders recognized that sustaining the policy required continual attention to it, particularly regarding buy-in and capacity in the form of qualified teachers and student interest. These findings highlight the value planning for sustainment by providing resources to foster buy-in and to maintaining teacher capacity, both with an emphasis on equity as the initial policy intended. Consequently, intention regarding specificity of intent and ambiguity for buy-in is discussed, particularly regarding equity.
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Gopalkrishna_gwu_0075A_15636.pdf | 2022-03-06 | Open Access |
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