Using Integrated Logic Models to Build Equity in Students’ Pathways and Systemic Change

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article reports on a multiple-case study of how six educational alliances developed Integrated Logic Models, a new tool that integrates components of multiple programs into a single logic model template to link equity research, practice, and evaluation. These alliances used three related strategies: choosing theories and research that point to activities for advancing student-level and systemic equity; linking research-based activities to outcomes across programs; and merging student-level longitudinal data across programs. This article describes the six alliances, the benefits and challenges they experienced using Integrated Logic Models, and the results of a pattern-matching analysis of organizational change as alliances developed their Integrated Logic Models. Our discussion links our findings to evolving debates about capital, alienation/belonging, and challenge; an emerging shared language; and implications for research, practice, and evaluation. These highlight communities’ cultural resources, especially those of immigrant, low-income, and first-generation students and families, for equity in college and career pathways and for systemic change and adaptation.