In 2015, the Policy and Planning Council of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium commissioned a study on racial disproportionality in school discipline. This multi-year study included a quantitative phase looking at racial disparities in school discipline in metropolitan Richmond and a qualitative phase exploring how people navigate school discipline and perceive racial disproportionality in our region. The final report offers findings from both phases of the study, including recommendations for research, policy, and practice about how to help address this complex issue. This study represents a collaborative effort between MERC school divisions and the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Click above to access the report. 

We are now accepting proposals for the 2019 MERC Conference on Friday, October 18th. Our theme for this year's conference is "Advancing Educational Equity: Supporting Diverse Learners in Metropolitan Richmond Schools Through Community Engaged Research." 

How have MERC division schools changed over the past decade? Explore our online maps and resources visualizing school diversity in the MERC region.