DATE: September 7, 2018

SUBJECT: Approval of The Center for Research on the Eradication of Educational Disparities (C.R.E.E.D Center)

FROM: Academic Affairs

ACTION ITEM: YES

BACKGROUND: Educators are faced with many challenges in and out of the classroom. One of the top issues in the PK-12, as well as in academia, seems to stem from the problem of the disparities which exists among many students today. Unfair conditions of unequal and noticeable differences among ethnic groups, limited English proficient students, between the sexes, those involved in the juvenile justice system, access to healthcare, even geographic locales (urban or rural) contribute to this “gap”. All of these, in their own particular way, tend to make for an imbalanced level of learning in our educational system. These disparities translate to unambiguous achievement gaps in college and career readiness, student achievement, and access to resources and educational opportunities. The impact of these disparities is far reaching – negatively affecting communities locally, statewide, nationally and globally.

SUMMARY OF PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES: The Center for Research on the Eradication of Educational Disparities (C.R.E.E.D.) will promote critical, collaborative research agenda which brings PK-12, postsecondary educators, field-based educational leaders, educational policy makers, and community members together to assess, analyze, and remove educational barriers and disparities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Globally. The C.R.E.E.D. Center will develop and support a more vigorous and robust research agenda that addresses educational disparities in our schools and our universities. The Center will have a scholarly focused that is aligned with Kentucky State University's strategic goals and objectives. We wish to engage multiple constituencies in a cycle of research, education, and conversation while strengthening networks of educators, field-based educational leaders, policy makers, and community members in the service of equity and social justice in Kentucky's schools. The center can be a mechanism for leveling the playing field and shed light on the inequities in public education by hosting regional and statewide workshops, professional development activities for schools and school districts, and share research in the academic and popular press.