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WHAT IS SCHOOL SEGREGATION – TRAINING MATERIALS

Segregation is one of the hardest forms of separation. The negative nuance we commonly attribute to the concept of segregation is due to its link with inequality:
on the one hand, segregation rises from inequalities; on the other, segregation freezes inequalities, exacerbating them. In this module, we observe school segregation as a pivotal factor of inequality dynamics.
Despite education system reforms of the last decades aimed to reduce inequality of opportunities, the introduction of a competitive market model to education systems encourages forms of segregation.
We need specific tools to observe and to tackle school segregation, as well as assessing this phenomenon in its structure.

Objectives of the module: This module provides a short review of the definition of school segregation. Starting from the history of the concept, the module aims to give basic instruments to observe and analyse the phenomenon. In particular, the module objectives are:

  • To provide a conceptualization of school segregation
  • To explore the main ways to assess and measure school segregation
  • To define a toolbox for school segregation observation

Outline of the module: This module is structured in three Units, all related to the three mentioned objectives.

Unit 2.1. Definition of school segregation, offers a short description of school segregation. Starting from the definitions more frequently found in literature, we provide a description of the phenomenon of school segregation, considering its main drivers and shapes.

Unit 2.2. Measuring school segregation, helps comprehend the segregation indexes often used in research. Here, we explain the logic behind these indexes, as to help the reader interpret their meanings more easily.[XB2]

Unit 2.3. Taking stock: assessing school segregation in your territory, concludes the module by providing instructions useful to analyse and interpret school segregation in your city.

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