Priority Actions for Inclusive Research
Set research priorities with educators, students, and families, and adapt research methods based on their input
Research priorities should be shaped collaboratively with educators, students, and families who know their community best. When they raise concerns, identify needs, or propose new directions, adjust your research strategies and methods accordingly. Share findings with the community, showing how their input influenced the research and what you learned together.
Interpret research findings collaboratively with educators, students, and families
Inclusive research invites educators, students, and families to interpret results alongside researchers. Hold collaborative analysis sessions where the school community members examine data, question assumptions, and offer insights grounded in the local context. This shared sense-making ensures findings reflect the local context and lived experience of the school community.
Include educators, students, and family members in research decisions and leadership roles
Educators, students, and families should have meaningful authority in decisions throughout the research process. This includes co-leading meetings, shaping research questions, informing methodological choices, and helping determine the project’s overall direction in partnership with the research team.
Implement frequent opportunities to pause and reflect on equity practices in research
Equity work requires ongoing reflection, not one-time commitments. Build regular opportunities for reflection into your research timeline to assess whether your practices align with equity goals. These reflection points help teams identify when power dynamics shift, when voices are being marginalized, and when adjustments are needed to stay true to inclusive principles.
Create opportunities for shared learning about the research, classroom experiences, and the school community
Learning together strengthens inclusive research. Create opportunities for researchers, educators, and students to explore core research concepts and practices as co-learners. Balance this by dedicating equal time to understanding and celebrating community assets, cultural strengths, and the expertise that comes from lived experience.
Invest time in relationship-building and creating a sense of community among the extended research team
Building authentic relationships is foundational to inclusive research. This means creating dedicated space and time for team members, educators, and students to connect as people. Set shared expectations for how you’ll work together, communicate, and honor each other's expertise and experience. Cultivating strong relationships will help your team navigate difficult conversations and adapt to changing circumstances together.
Inclusive Research in Practice
Hear from educators and researchers about how their inclusive research practices impacted their work.
Questions to Ask Yourself
How can we balance learning and relationship building with research activities when we have research deadlines to meet?
Inclusive research requires a reorganization of priorities. Invest time in relationships and shared learning early on to build trust and understanding. This understanding helps strengthen communication and collaboration during implementation, data collection, and analysis, leading to a smoother research process and clearer results.
How can we clarify and broaden what decisions are open to collaboration so communities can participate meaningfully in the research process?
Transparency is key to navigating how to share decision-making authority. When working with a community, be open about which research questions or decisions can be changed. Areas for shared decision-making can include adding research questions, creating implementation timelines, responding to challenges, and interpreting and disseminating results. Lean into collaboration in areas where community partners hold specific expertise and strengths.
What early structures and norms can help us recognize and address inequities before they cause harm? When inequities or biases surface in our research process, how can we respond to correct the missteps and rebuild trust?
Creating the foundation for equity practices early helps teams prevent inequitable situations and provides them with the tools to address situations when actions cause harm or exclusion. Building awareness and learning together sets the stage for everyone to grow. Specifically scheduling time to check in on your equity goals can make addressing harms more natural. Consider ways that you could lay plans and ready intervention strategies before harm occurs.
How do we plan to conclude an inclusive research partnership?
The end of a research project is as crucial as its start. Involve community members in understanding and interpreting results to add depth and relevance to your findings. New research questions in areas for further exploration and analysis often emerge from collaborative interpretation. Share what you’ve learned in formats that honor their time, insights, and preferred ways of receiving information, ensuring the research benefits those who shaped it.
VOICES FROM THE EF+MATH COMMUNITY
Learn How the Inclusive R&D Process Works
Establishing the Foundation
Explore priority actions, examples, and resources for establishing the foundation of inclusive R&D.
In Development
Explore priority actions, examples, and resources for inclusive development practices.
In Evaluation
Explore priority actions, examples, and resources for inclusive evaluation practices.