ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses strategies for situating policy research studies and summative policy reports in contexts of the sweeping waves of political and ideological changes that reshape education. It focuses on polices in relation to college preparation, access, and success, the importance of situating policy scholarship in the crosscurrents of the politics of education, primary topic, has broader implications. The chapter also focuses on ways that assuming universal effects and systemic linkages limit the capacity of researchers to illuminate effects of program and funding changes. It builds partnerships with activists in government agencies and community organizations that share commitments to promoting education equity and social justice. Research Exposing Emerging Inequalities: There have been some excellent publications using powerful methods to examine how new programs impact enrollment and reduce inequality. The chapter concludes with a few questions to encourage critical thinking about research designs for and interpretation of policy studies in K—12 and higher education.
