Explore Our Research
The 51²è¹Ý Simmons Education Policy & Leadership department conducts research that focuses on policies and systems in education which leads to a direct impact on leaders and policy makers in K12 and Higher Education. These research projects take place in the context of the Dallas community but impact institutions worldwide.
Education Policy and Leadership Projects
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How Education Policy and Leadership Affects Student Homelessness
EPL Experts: Dr. Alexandra Pavlakis and Dr. Meredith Richards
Dr. Pavlakis and Dr. Richards examine the effects Covid-19, Hurricane Harvey, and student homelessness have on the Houston Independent School District population.
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Legal and Ethical Issues in Education Policy and Leadership
EPL Expert: Dr. Watt Lesley Black, Jr.
Dr. Black examines First Amendment expression rights of both students and teachers, analyzes Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection, and studies affirmative action and diversity in public schools.
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Examining University Presidents and Their Policies
EPL Experts: Dr. Sondra Barringer and Dr. Michael Harris
Dr. Barringer and Dr. Harris examine presidential turnover and board characteristics to better understand an increased instability of the presidential role and the resulting ramifications.
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Narratives Surrounding Student Loan Debt
EPL Expert: Dr. Dominique Baker
Dr. Baker investigates student financial aid and student debt, examining the influence on the ability to foster an inclusive and equitable campus climate.
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Developing Oral Reading Fluency Assessments
EPL Expert: Dr. Akihito Kamata
Dr. Kamata studies psychometric model development for oral reading fluency (ORF) assessment data.