Welsh focuses on policy, equity, discipline issues across district

In January, Richard O. Welsh, assistant professor in the department of lifelong education, administration and policy, became a district-wide professor-in-residence with a focus on educational policy, equity and school discipline.

He supports the Clarke County School District in data analysis and policy formulation, as well as implementation around equity issues. Welsh is leading a mixed methods research project on the contributors to the disparities in disciplinary outcomes in the Clarke County School District, with particular focus on the interactions between teachers and school leaders.

"I am thrilled to be involved with the Professional Development School district and partner with the Clarke County School District on key issues with significant policy and equity implications," said Welsh. "My work as a professor-in-residence is well aligned with the aim of my research to inform essential processes driving school improvement in K-12 education policy and practice, with a specific focus on the process of changing schools and the process of disciplining students."