Community: Research

  • blocks spelling teaching on a desk with books

    Culturally Relevant Pedagogy at Loyola Academy in St. Louis: How One Private School Incorporates Culturally Relevant Education

    This study explores the culturally relevant pedagogical practices at Loyola Academy in St. Louis.

    As private and public-school classroom demographics continue to shift in the United States, scholars and teachers advocate for schools to embrace culturally relevant education. A one-size-fits-all approach in education excludes students of different backgrounds, especially students of color. In this report, the authors define culturally relevant pedagogy, explore its importance in American classrooms today, and describe how Loyola Academy of St. Louis uses this pedagogical to connect with and better engage their students.

    Researchers: Merriam Waheed and Ulaa Kuziez

    Date: April 2024

  • open book sitting on a desk

    Reading Comprehension in St. Louis Schools and its Effects on Future Economic and Academic Success

    This report discusses the relationship between reading comprehension and economic opportunity, especially within underfunded schools in the St. Louis region.

    This project explains the continuing role race plays in the issue of racial disparity in reading comprehension in St. Louis Schools. By exploring the racial divisions remaining from “redlining” within St. Louis housing, this paper maps the continued economic disparities within educational funding in St. Louis Schools. The disparity in funding consequently leads to disparities in reading comprehension scores, with the majority Black student populations at underfunded schools receiving less programmatic support for reading comprehension programs. In effect, the systemic aftermath of racist housing practices has led to a self-perpetuating cycle of economic and academic disparities between Black and White student populations in St. Louis.

    Researcher: Cillian Deisner

    Date: April 2024

  • medical chart with pen and stethoscope

    The Implications of Health Disparities in St. Louis

    This report explores health disparities within the Black communities of St. Louis, and it postulates that increasing civic engagement programs may address these inequalities.

    Race has a continuous influence on health disparities in St. Louis. This study compares health outcomes between Black and White communities in St. Louis, finding a notable health disparity regarding COVID-19 and cancer that maps onto the racial segregation of the city. This paper then explores civic engagement programs that help keep citizens informed and involved, particularly developing civic competencies and educating citizens on health disparities. These such programs have demonstrated a marked effectiveness at addressing inequalities and changing policy, and this report argues that these types of programs provide a path toward addressing racial health disparities in St. Louis.

    Researcher: Amanda Kovathana

    Date: March 2024

  • photo of a commercial greenhouse growing marijuana plants

    Effects of Marijuana Legalization on the St. Louis Community

    This report discusses the effects of marijuana laws on marginalized communities.

    On December 8, 2022, the state of Missouri made a historic decision. The voters of the previous election cycle determined that recreational marijuana should not only be legalized, but also that past convictions related to its possession should be expunged. While the process thus far has been slow, it is hopeful that the government will make the necessary changes to better help its citizenry. Many face hardships due to these convictions such as the inability to receive government subsidized housing, well paying jobs, or other necessities needed to survive in the twenty-first century.

    Marijuana’s illegal status disproportionately affects people of color and those facing class marginalization.

    Researcher: John E. Prusak

    Date: March 2023