UW-Madison, the Division of Extension, and the School of Education came together, along with community members, to discuss educational disparities across Wisconsin. This initiative will take a fresh look at what research is needed, what outreach is mission, and what action all of us can take as members of academic and social communities.
“We’re not just observers, Wisconsin becomes ground zero for some of these challenges,” said Jerlando Jackson, a Vilas Distinguished Professor of Higher Education and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. Jackson also leads Wisconsin’s Equity & Inclusion Laboratory, housed within the School of Education.
Jackson was one of a panel of experts invited to lead “Exploring Education Disparities in the State of Wisconsin,” a program created to prompt unique research and action. “Exploring Education Disparities” was the third event in a series between the Division of Extension and campus units centered on how research and outreach can benefit communities across Wisconsin.
“Bringing people together from UW-Madison, from across the state, is going to make a real difference because it’s only partnerships that are going to help us solve these persistent problems in the state,” said School of Education Dean Diana Hess.
The event put a spotlight on the work being done in the Human Development and Relationships Institute of Extension, whose mission is to facilitate and develop research-based educational processes and programs in Wisconsin for individuals, families, and communities – including programs such as Literacy Link, Raising a Thinking Child, and Digital Parenting.
In addition to a panel discussion, facilitated discussions created collaborative opportunities on a range of topics, including opportunity gaps, tribal nations, immigrant families, STEM education, and more.
• View a recording of the event’s live stream.
• Read the original article here.