Broadly speaking, my research focuses on educational reform and policy, with particular attention to issues of equity and the professional lives of educators. In my research, I uncover the successes and challenges that educators encounter when trying to reinvent schooling and implement new policies and practices.
I’m particularly interested in changes that have the goal of improving education for diverse student populations who have historically been marginalized in school systems. I pay close attention to context — the people, practices, policies, and patterns — in my research on educational reform. I am fortunate to conduct this work with a host of wonderful collaborators – faculty, students, research staff, school and district partners, and community members. I am increasingly interested in interdisciplinary research-practice partnerships as a vehicle for change in education.
Data use and teacher collaboration in schools. In various projects, my colleagues and I have investigated how teachers use data (defined broadly as information on student learning) to make instructional decisions. We have focused on how teachers actually use data and how their instruction is affected, as well as the consequences for equity.
Transformative educational change. Some of my research projects focus on transformative change in education. These projects challenge us to think about how schooling might look different if it was re-envisioned to better meet the needs of all students. Inherent in transformation is the challenge of moving from more traditional modes of education towards one that is more learner-centered and equitable.
Educators’ professional lives. Throughout my career, I have been interested in understanding how reform impacts educators’ professional lives. I have addressed topics including teacher agency, teachers’ and school leaders experiences with reform, and other issues.
My prior research has focused on comprehensive school reform, college access for low income students, the intersection of gender and educational reform, and detracking in racially mixed schools. Publications on these topics can be found in the publications page.
Amanda Datnow 