Academy Health Annual Research Meeting
Roundtable on Disparities
June 28, 2009
What Can We Learn from Disparities in
Education to
Advance the Field of Health Disparities?
Kirk E. Harris, MPA, JD, PhD
University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee
Structural Precursors to Disparities
• For most individuals the most common entry
point for access to health care is employment
• Unemployment rates for African-Americans
and Latinos are consistently higher than that
of their white counterparts and in the case of
African-Americans almost double the rate of
their white counterparts
• Growth in part-time, seasonal and temporary
employment that typically carries no benefits
Disparities in Education are also Structural
• Urban school are typically highly segregated
• Low student retention and graduation rates
• Inequitable allocation of educational resources
• Lack of effective institutional response to growing
inequity
Constructing New Vehicles for Delivery
Charter School Model
• Student centered pedagogy with a focus on
customization
– One size does not fits all
– Values student, parent and community voices.
– Recognize that the educational setting must be flexible and
responsive to the emerging needs of the students, their
parents and the community at large.
– Connect and develop trust among students and their
parents by making them a part of the decision-making .
– Make information, materials and educational
opportunities readily available to students and parents (ie.,
Resource Center).
Take it to the People
Student, Parent and Community Engagement and
Leadership
• Cultivate a working relationship built on a shared
leadership model (surrender the position of expert).
• Get to know and understand the issues that are most
salient to the students, their parents and the
community .
• Be open to listening to the personal or community
narrative.
• Consider Home-visiting as a strategy to build stronger
relationships by connecting with families in their own
enviorment.
Identify Under-Utilized Community Pathways
Understanding the unique community assets
(for example):
• Fathers
• Faith-based institutions
• Schools
• Civic Organizations
Identify Under-Utilized Community Pathways
Understanding the unique community assets
(for example):
• Fathers and Mothers as Leaders
• Faith-based institutions
• Schools
• Civic Organizations
QUESTIONS?