Education Governance and Race: An Analysis of School Board Discourse Using Large Language Models. EdWorkingPaper No. 25-1175
| Title: | Education Governance and Race: An Analysis of School Board Discourse Using Large Language Models. EdWorkingPaper No. 25-1175 |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kylie L. Anglin; Alvin Christian; Brian A. Jacob; John D. Singleton; Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University |
| Source: | Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. 2025. |
| Availability: | Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: annenberg@brown.edu; Web site: https://annenberg.brown.edu/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 49 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Boards of Education; Board of Education Role; Governance; Race; Discussion; Diversity; Critical Race Theory; School Districts; Attitudes; Ethnicity; Racial Factors |
| Abstract: | Despite growing attention to school boards, it is unclear whether they primarily operate as bureaucratic forums, policy-making bodies, or arenas for contentious debate--particularly on issues of race. Recent controversies suggest increasing public engagement and conflict, but little evidence documents how often questions of race arise in board deliberations. This study analyzes over 40,000 meeting minutes from 2018-2022 to examine the prevalence, framing, and drivers of race-related discourse. Using large language models, natural language processing, and human coding, we find that race-related conversations are relatively uncommon but responsive to national events, particularly in politically competitive, suburban districts. Our analysis highlights the variable nature of local governance and the value of meeting minutes and computational tools for understanding this variability. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | ED674067 |
| Database: | ERIC |