analyzing idea development in an essay

Revision Stage 2: Idea Development

As you revise for idea development, make sure you have at least a paragraph – and often more – for each topic sentence idea. Make sure that you have developed your paragraphs and units of support with examples and details appropriate to your purpose and audience.

For example, consider the following two paragraphs.  What characterizes the well-developed one which leaves you, as a reader, more satisfied that you have a fuller understanding?

Even though the more developed paragraph is relatively long, and might be successfully broken into multiple paragraphs within a unit of support, it includes the following characteristics that make it well-developed:

• clear topic sentence that indicates a comparison of the two cities
• follow-through on the order of the comparison indicated in the topic sentence (whereas the less developed paragraph switches that order)
• multiple examples and details for the points about transportation, sound, and timeliness
• concluding sentence that summarizes and also moves a reader to an additional insight

As noted in the text The Word on College Reading and Writing , “here are some tips on what to strive for and what to avoid when it comes to supporting details.” [1]

Although the following video focuses on illustrative writing, the concepts offered about idea development can be applied to essay writing for any purpose, including logical argument, research writing, and essays using different patterns of development. The video provides examples of sparsely-developed and well-developed paragraphs, using examples and details:

Note: Some content in the video “Writing an Illustrative Paragraph or Essay” is presented visually. You may listen to this video with audio description .

[1] Babin, Monique, et al. “The Paragraph Body: Supporting Your Ideas.” The Word on College Reading and Writing , openoregon.pressbooks.pub/wrd/chapter/the-paragraph-body-supporting-your-ideas/.

• Revision Stage 2: Idea Development. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College, SUNY OER Services. Project : College Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
• The Paragraph Body: Supporting Your Ideas. Authored by : Monique Babin, Carol Burnell, Susan Pesznecker, Nicole Rosevear, Jaime Wood. Located at : https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/wrd/chapter/the-paragraph-body-supporting-your-ideas/ . Project : The Word on College Reading and Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
• image of lightbulb in idea bubble. Authored by : Clker-Free-Vector-Images. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/en/idea-cloud-think-concept-symbol-48100/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• video Writing an Illustrative Paragraph or Essay. Provided by : Florida State College Jacksonville. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28FyDT4cKrg . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

Development in Composition: Building an Essay

Learning to support your main ideas with pertinent details

 Lisbeth Hjort/Getty Images

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

In composition , development (also known as elaboration ) is the process of adding informative and illustrative details to support the main idea in a paragraph or essay . Paragraphs and essays can be developed in many different ways. In conventional composition courses, the following patterns of exposition are often presented as the standard methods of development in expository writing :

Observations on Development

"[The] methods of development aren't empty jugs to pour full of any old, dull words. Neither are they straitjackets woven by fiendish English teachers to pin your writing arm to your side and keep you from expressing yourself naturally. The methods are tools for achieving your purpose in writing, whatever that purpose may be. They can help you discover what you know, what you need to know, how to think critically about your subject, and how to shape your writing." —From "The Bedford Reader" by X.J. and Dorothy M. Kennedy

The Importance of Providing Supporting Details

"Possibly the most serious—and most common—weakness of all essays by novice writers is the lack of effectively developed body paragraphs . The information in each paragraph must adequately explain, exemplify, define, or in some other way support your topic sentence . Therefore, you must include enough supporting information or evidence in each paragraph to make your readers understand your topic sentence. Moreover, you must make the information in the paragraph clear and specific enough for the readers to accept your ideas." —From "Steps to Writing Well" by Jean Wyrick

Body-Building

"What the opening of an essay promises, the body of the essay must deliver. This is known as 'developing your ideas,' but I like to use a body-building metaphor because it implies adding not just bulk to a framework, but musculature. In other words, good essay development strengthens , not merely fills out. . . .

"What is the best way to reinforce the main idea of your essay? You can do some by making good use of any combination of the following six methods of development:

• Classification and Division
• Example, case-in-point
• Characterization ,  dialogue

"By using these bodybuilding elements, you are telling your readers, 'I don't expect you to take my word for these claims ; I want you to see for yourself!" —From "LifeWriting: Drawing from Personal Experience to Create Features You Can Publish" by Fred D. White

Multiple Patterns of Development

"Although most short papers may employ one primary pattern with other patterns woven throughout, longer papers may have two or more primary patterns of development . For example, if you are writing a paper on the causes and effects of child abuse in the foster care system, you might, after the causal analysis, shift the primary focus of the essay to prevention, thus continuing the essay with a process analysis of what the state might do to prevent child abuse. Then you might end the essay by addressing the objections from those defending the system, shifting the focus of the essay to argumentation .

"Your decision to include other primary patterns depends on your purpose and audience . Your thesis makes your purpose clear to your reader. Then as you develop your essay, you may integrate other patterns into your paragraphs." —From "Bridges to Better Writing" by Luis Nazario, Deborah Borchers, and William Lewis

Further Resources

• Cause and Effect
• Comparison and Contrast
• Current-Traditional Rhetoric
• Extended Definition
• Models of Composition
• Process Analysis
• Kennedy, X.J.; Kennedy, Dorothy M. "The Bedford Reader," Seventh Edition. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000
• White, Fred D. "LifeWriting: Drawing from Personal Experience to Create Features You Can Publish." Quill Driver Books, 2004
• Nazario, Luis; Borchers, Deborah; Lewis, William; "Bridges to Better Writing. Wadsworth." 2010
• Unity in Composition
• Understanding Organization in Composition and Speech
• Definition and Examples of Body Paragraphs in Composition
• What Is Expository Writing?
• 6 Steps to Writing the Perfect Personal Essay
• How to Structure an Essay
• Paragraph Writing
• The Five Steps of Writing an Essay
• Definition and Examples of Paragraphing in Essays
• An Essay Revision Checklist
• Writers on Writing: The Art of Paragraphing
• How To Write an Essay
• The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
• Understanding General-to-Specific Order in Composition
• Definition and Examples of Analysis in Composition

How To Write an Analytical Essay

If you enjoy exploring topics deeply and thinking creatively, analytical essays could be perfect for you. They involve thorough analysis and clever writing techniques to gain fresh perspectives and deepen your understanding of the subject. In this article, our expert research paper writer will explain what an analytical essay is, how to structure it effectively and provide practical examples. This guide covers all the essentials for your writing success!

What Is an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay involves analyzing something, such as a book, movie, or idea. It relies on evidence from the text to logically support arguments, avoiding emotional appeals or personal stories. Unlike persuasive essays, which argue for a specific viewpoint, a good analytical essay explores all aspects of the topic, considering different perspectives, dissecting arguments, and evaluating evidence carefully. Ultimately, you'll need to present your own stance based on your analysis, synthesize findings, and decide whether you agree with the conclusions or have your own interpretation.

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How to Structure an Analytical Essay

Crafting an excellent paper starts with clear organization and structuring of arguments. An analytical essay structure follows a simple outline: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: Begin by grabbing the reader's attention and stating the topic clearly. Provide background information, state the purpose of the paper, and hint at the arguments you'll make. The opening sentence should be engaging, such as a surprising fact or a thought-provoking question. Then, present your thesis, summarizing your stance in the essay.

Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence guiding the reader and presents evidence supporting the thesis. Focus on one issue per paragraph and briefly restate the main point at the end to transition smoothly to the next one. This ensures clarity and coherence in your argument.

Conclusion: Restate the thesis, summarize key points from the body paragraphs, and offer insights on the significance of the analysis. Provide your thoughts on the topic's importance and how your analysis contributes to it, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Meanwhile, you might also be interested in how to write a reflection paper , so check out the article for more information!

How to Write an Analytical Essay in 6 Simple Steps

Once you've got a handle on the structure, you can make writing easier by following some steps. Preparing ahead of time can make the process smoother and improve your essay's flow. Here are some helpful tips from our experts. And if you need it, you can always request our experts to write my essay for me , and we'll handle it promptly.

Step 1: Decide on Your Stance

Before diving into writing, it's crucial to establish your stance on the topic. Let's say you're going to write an analytical essay example about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work. Before you start writing, you need to decide what your opinion or viewpoint is on this topic.

• Do you think remote work offers flexibility and improved work-life balance for employees?
• Or maybe you believe it can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased productivity?

Once you've determined your stance on remote work, it's essential to consider the evidence and arguments supporting your position. Are there statistics or studies that back up your viewpoint? For example, if you believe remote work improves productivity, you might cite research showing increased output among remote workers. On the other hand, if you think it leads to isolation, you could reference surveys or testimonials highlighting the challenges of remote collaboration. Your opinion will shape how you write your essay, so take some time to think about what you believe about remote work before you start writing.

Step 2: Write Your Thesis Statement

Once you've figured out what you think about the topic, it's time to write your thesis statement. This statement is like the main idea or argument of your essay.

If you believe that remote work offers significant benefits, your thesis statement might be: 'Remote work presents an opportunity for increased flexibility and work-life balance, benefiting employees and employers alike in today's interconnected world.'

Alternatively, if you believe that remote work has notable drawbacks, your thesis statement might be: 'While remote work offers flexibility, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and challenges in collaboration, necessitating a balanced approach to its implementation.'

Your thesis statement guides the rest of your analytical essay, so make sure it clearly expresses your viewpoint on the benefits and drawbacks of remote work.

Step 3: Write Topic Sentences

After you have your thesis statement about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work, you need to come up with topic sentences for each paragraph while writing an analytical essay. These sentences introduce the main point of each paragraph and help to structure your essay.

Let's say your first paragraph is about the benefits of remote work. Your topic sentence might be: 'Remote work offers employees increased flexibility and autonomy, enabling them to better manage their work-life balance.'

For the next paragraph discussing the drawbacks of remote work, your topic sentence could be: 'However, remote work can also lead to feelings of isolation and difficulties in communication and collaboration with colleagues.'

And for the paragraph about potential solutions to the challenges of remote work, your topic sentence might be: 'To mitigate the drawbacks of remote work, companies can implement strategies such as regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and flexible work arrangements.'

Each topic sentence should relate back to your thesis statement about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work and provide a clear focus for the paragraph that follows.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Now that you have your thesis statement and topic sentences, it's time to create an analytical essay outline to ensure your essay flows logically. Here's an outline prepared by our analytical essay writer based on the example of discussing the benefits and drawbacks of remote work:

Step 5: Write Your First Draft

Now that you have your outline, it's time to start writing your first draft. Begin by expanding upon each point in your outline, making sure to connect your ideas smoothly and logically. Don't worry too much about perfection at this stage; the goal is to get your ideas down on paper. You can always revise and polish your draft later.

As you write, keep referring back to your thesis statement to ensure that your arguments align with your main argument. Additionally, make sure each paragraph flows naturally into the next, maintaining coherence throughout your essay.

Once you've completed your first draft, take a break and then come back to review and revise it. Look for areas where you can strengthen your arguments, clarify your points, and improve the overall structure and flow of your essay.

Remember, writing is a process, and it's okay to go through multiple drafts before you're satisfied with the final result. Take your time and be patient with yourself as you work towards creating a well-crafted essay on the benefits and drawbacks of remote work.

Step 6: Revise and Proofread

Once you've completed your first draft, it's essential to revise and proofread your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness. Here's how to approach this step:

• Check if your ideas make sense and if they support your main point.
• Make sure your writing style stays the same and your format follows the rules.
• Double-check your facts and make sure you've covered everything important.
• Cut out any extra words and make your sentences clear and short.
• Look for mistakes in spelling and grammar.
• Ask someone to read your essay and give you feedback.

What is the Purpose of an Analytical Essay?

Analytical essays aim to analyze texts or topics, presenting a clear argument. They deepen understanding by evaluating evidence and uncovering underlying meanings. These essays promote critical thinking, challenging readers to consider different viewpoints.

They're also great for improving critical thinking skills. By breaking down complex ideas and presenting them clearly, they encourage readers to think for themselves and reach their own conclusions.

This type of essay also adds to academic discussions by offering fresh insights. By analyzing existing research and literature, they bring new perspectives or shine a light on overlooked parts of a topic. This keeps academic conversations lively and encourages more exploration in the field.

Analytical Essay Examples

Check out our essay samples to see theory in action. Crafted by our dissertation services , they show how analytical thinking applies to real situations, helping you understand concepts better.

With our tips on how to write an analytical essay, you're ready to boost your writing skills and craft essays that captivate your audience. With practice, you'll become a pro at analytical writing, ready to tackle any topic with confidence. And, if you need help to buy essay online , just drop us a line saying ' do my homework for me ' and we'll jump right in!

Do Analytical Essays Tend to Intimidate You?

Give us your assignment to uncover a deeper understanding of your chosen analytical essay topic!

How to Write an Analytical Essay?

What is an analytical essay, related articles.

A Writer's Handbook

• Introduction
• Purpose & Audience
• Opening Sentences
• Linking Sentences
• Finished Introduction
• Topic Sentences
• Development
• Conclusion Sentences
• Conclusion Paragraphs for Essays
• Essay Writing Organization: The Outline
• Annotating Readings

General Writing Idea Development

Example layout for development.

• Rhetorical and Visual Analysis Idea Development
• Character Analysis Idea Development
• Theme Analysis Idea Development
• Theory Analysis
• Using the Library
• Using Sources for Illustration or Support
• Using Research for Essays
• Writing About Research
• MLA Handbook Summary for Citations
• Final Thoughts on Essays
• Literary Element Index
• Appendix of Example Papers

Most essays will start with a topic or subject, and after the purpose and audience for the essay have been decided, writers can move on from there.

• Begin with a topic and a stance on the topic (depending on the purpose)
• Organize a thesis
• Create topic sentences and chunks for your body paragraphs
• Find supporting examples with source evidence or discussion of examples depending on assignment logistics

Organizing an Argument Paper

• Topic :  Bratz Dolls – that they are too “old” for the girls they are marketed toward
• My stance on topic :  I think the image of Bratz dolls portrays a sexier image of what a girl should look like to children who are playing with the toys
• Organizing a thesis:
• General :  Because Bratz Dolls portray an image that is not age appropriate for the young girls who are playing with them, the dolls should be recalled.
• XYZ :  Bratz Dolls should be recalled due to the image they portray, the effect they have on the young girls who play with them, and the problems they can cause in social situations.

You can write a thesis both ways and see how your paper takes shape before choosing the one that best fits your paper.  Notice, both these argue the same point:  dolls need to be recalled – but they state that in two different ways.

• Brainstorm :  Jot down ideas for intro/body/conclusion – anything that will help you organize the parts of the paper

Introduction:

• Influences on young people
• Examples of influences (TV, Games, toys)
• Link to Bratz as a toy girls play with
• Brief description of Bratz
• What this image description conjures

Thesis : 

Because Bratz Dolls portray an image that is not age appropriate for the young girls who are playing with them, the dolls should be recalled.  

• The look of the doll goes along with the “too old” image
• The accessories of the doll go along with the “too old” image
• The advertising of the doll goes along with the “too old” image

Make topic sentences for the ideas you think of for your body paragraphs.  Remember the formula (transition + link to thesis argument + example [even if you do not have an XYZ thesis, your example will be the topic of the paragraph as you have lined it up])

Topic sentences:

• To begin with, the basic look of the Bratz doll portrays an image of seductiveness and sensuality; the dolls should be recalled because this is not a positive image for the children who are playing with them.
• Additionally, the accessories of the Bratz doll give cause for recalling the toy due to their mature nature.
• Lastly, the advertising for the Bratz dolls displays a negative image that should not be portrayed to children of the toy’s target audience.

Chunks for your body paragraphs:  (Choose 2 or 3 different examples that will go along with each of your topics – don’t use the same example for any other paragraph).  These chunks will ensure your length in the paper

• Facial features (eyes slanted, lips pouty) and makeup, long legs and skinny waist, hairstyles
• Styles of clothes, makeup accessories
• From web (or commercials or TV):  sensual description of each doll (like a bio), advertised games online “love meter”

Next step:  Find sources that support your point or describe the topic you have in detail.  You can even write your sources down and take notes on what info they can give you to keep your information organized.

•  www.bratz.com – info on look of dolls, styles of clothing and advertising
• The New Yorker article “Little Hotties:  Barbie’s New Rival” – info on dolls’ description and facts supporting argument that they are negative images for girls.
• “Over-sexed and over here:  The tarty Bratz doll” – article blog credible because it is a mother’s experience

Start Writing The Paper.  Remember the first draft is NOT always your best work.

Exercise 5: Change of purpose

How could you turn the argument style paper on the Bratz dolls into a differently purposed essay? Currently, the outline has the purpose of persuading an audience not to sell Bratz dolls.

• Exercise 5: Change of Purpose
• << Previous: Development Ideas for General, Rhetorical, and Literary Writing
• Next: Rhetorical and Visual Analysis Idea Development >>
• Last Updated: Jan 3, 2023 9:01 AM
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How To Write An Analytical Essay A Full Guide

Crafting an impeccable analytical essay is an art form that demands precision, insight, and a structured approach. Whether you’re delving into literature, dissecting historical events, or unraveling scientific theories, the ability to present a compelling analysis is pivotal. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigate the intricate path of writing a flawless analytical essay.

What Is An Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that delves deeply into a topic, idea, or piece of literature. Unlike descriptive or narrative essays, which focus on providing a vivid description or telling a story, an analytical essay aims to examine and dissect its subject matter.

The primary objective of an analytical essay is to present a thorough analysis or interpretation of the subject, often breaking it down into its constituent parts and scrutinizing how they contribute to the whole.

Why Analytical Essay Is Important

Analytical essays play a pivotal role in developing critical thinking skills and fostering a deeper understanding of complex subjects. Through the meticulous examination and interpretation of information, these essays teach individuals how to dissect arguments, evaluate evidence, and form well-supported conclusions. They serve as a platform for honing analytical prowess, enabling individuals to engage with diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and articulate their insights effectively. Moreover, mastering the art of analytical essays equips individuals with invaluable skills applicable across various disciplines, fostering a capacity for logical reasoning, problem-solving, and persuasive communication—a skill set indispensable in academia, professional endeavors, and everyday life.

Tips For Writing A Good Analytical Essay

Understanding the essence.

To excel in analytical writing, one must comprehend the essence of analysis itself. It’s not merely about summarizing or narrating; it’s about deconstructing the core components, scrutinizing their significance, and synthesizing perspectives to derive insightful conclusions.

Devising a Strategic Blueprint

Begin with a comprehensive understanding of your subject matter. Formulate a thesis statement —a succinct encapsulation of your perspective—which serves as the guiding beacon throughout your essay. Craft an outline delineating key sections and their respective arguments, ensuring a logical flow that seamlessly connects each point.

The Pinnacle of Research

A sturdy analytical essay is built upon a foundation of rigorous research. Delve into reputable sources, be it scholarly articles, books, or credible online repositories. Gather diverse perspectives and data to fortify your arguments, but always uphold the standards of credibility and relevance.

Structure: The Backbone of Brilliance

A well-structured essay is akin to an architectural marvel. The introduction should entice readers with a gripping hook, provide context, and introduce the thesis statement. The body paragraphs, each beginning with a topic sentence, should expound on individual arguments supported by evidence and analysis. Finally, the conclusion should reaffirm the thesis while offering a nuanced synthesis of the essay’s core ideas.

The Art of Analysis

Here’s where the magic unfolds. Analyze, dissect, and interpret the data and evidence gathered. Scrutinize underlying themes, dissect intricate details, and juxtapose contrasting viewpoints. Employ analytical tools pertinent to your subject, such as literary devices for literature analyses, statistical methods for scientific inquiries, or historical frameworks for historical essays.

Precision in Language and Style

The language employed in an analytical essay should be precise, articulate, and tailored to convey complex ideas clearly. Utilize a formal tone, vary sentence structures, and employ transitions to ensure a seamless progression of ideas. Embrace clarity and coherence as your allies in elucidating intricate analyses.

Revisiting and Refining

Revision is the crucible wherein a good essay transforms into a great one. Review your work meticulously—check for coherence, refine arguments, ensure logical transitions, and verify the alignment of evidence with your thesis. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain diverse perspectives and refine your essay further.

Conclusion: A Culmination of Mastery

In conclusion, a perfect analytical essay isn’t merely a collection of facts and opinions; it’s an orchestrated symphony of critical thinking, analysis, and eloquent expression. Embrace the journey of discovery, relish the complexities, and let your essay resonate as a testament to your mastery of analytical prowess.

Best Place To Avail Analytical Essay Service

At Allessaywriter.com, excellence meets expertise in crafting exceptional analytical essay services . Our platform is your gateway to top-tier service, offering a seamless experience to elevate your academic journey. With a team of seasoned writers dedicated to precision and depth in analysis, we ensure tailored essays that reflect critical thinking and comprehensive understanding. Trust us for meticulous research, compelling arguments, and impeccable structure, all aimed at delivering the finest analytical essays that exceed expectations.

An analytical essay service encapsulates the culmination of rigorous analysis, insightful interpretation, and concise articulation. It serves as the pinnacle of intellectual prowess, combining critical thinking with eloquent expression to offer a profound understanding of complex subjects. So if you are still wondering about analytical essay writing then ask our writers and get our do my essay help services.

Meet Kathy, the mindful mind behind the words at minimalistfocus.com. With an innate ability to distill the essence of life down to its purest form, Kathy's writing resonates with those seeking clarity in a cluttered world.

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Central idea

most supported idea in the text and is supported by key details

How to determine the central idea of a text

look for repeated words and phrases distinguishing between key details and minor details restate the central idea of the text in your won words cite evidence from the text to support your conclusion

Organizational methods

importance chronology cause-and-effect relationships problem-solution relationships

Introductory paragraph

introduced the central idea presents the thesis engages the reader

Body paragraph

develop the central idea organize ideas logically include evidence and examples

Concluding paragraph

concludes the central idea restates the thesis summarize main points

Evaluating an essay step 1

does the introduction contain a clear thesis

Evaluating an essay step 2

are the ideas supported with relevant examples

Evaluating an essay step 3

does the organizational structure support the central idea and purpose

Evaluating an essay step 4

does the conclusion summarize the main points and leave a lasting impression

Evaluating an essay step 5

does the writer present the ideas in an interesting and unique way to engage the readers

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Welsh leads equity-centered research practice partnership to reduce racial disparities in school discipline

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• Forward Ever: Vanderbilt celebrates its past and present as it creates opportunities for a stellar future
• Commodore City: Vanderbilt and Nashville continue their collegial relationship into the next 150 years
• Christensen and Wilkey: emerging leaders in psychological sciences

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May 13, 2024, 11:51 AM

By Jenna Somers

Last year, Richard Welsh reported findings on the persistence of racial disparities in exclusionary school discipline practices. Despite suspensions declining over the past decade as schools reformed their policies, exclusionary disciplinary rates remained higher for African American students. Across the South, in-school suspensions (ISS) are particularly prevalent and disruptive to the education of racially minoritized students. Given these facts, Welsh has embarked on a new co-design process of ISS that leverages an existing research-practice partnership with a school district in Georgia to crack the code on truly resolving racial inequities in school discipline policies and practices.

Supported by a $474,178 grant from the William T. Grant Foundation and a $125,000 grant from the American Institutes of Research Equity Initiative, Welsh is leading a three-year project with the school district to understand the role of race and power in equity-centered research-practice partnerships, how the dynamics of the partnership affect partnership activities, and how these activities influence research use by school administrators, district leaders, and school board members.

“These are the three key decisionmakers who can advance racial equity in school districts through policies, programs, and personnel. They make decisions about codes of conduct, which disciplinary programs to implement, and who to hire, including behavioral specialists to support students’ social-emotional development,” said Welsh, associate professor of education and public policy at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development.

“Improving the use of research evidence among education leaders via equity-centered research-practice partnerships can possibly lead to disruptive decisions necessary to addressing persistent racial inequities in school discipline. Also, turning the analytical lens on ourselves to examine how inequities might manifest in the partnership has implications for partnership and student outcomes,” Welsh added.

The research team will analyze their interviews with key decision makers, research-practice partnership primary investigators, and co-design team members. They will also observe school board meetings, school discipline committee meetings, and partnership meetings, as well as co-design workshops, district- and school-level documents, and materials to record the partnering process as well as the use of research evidence and disruptive decision-making. By engaging in cycles of disciplined inquiry to improve ISS processes, the partnership aims to reach its goal of improving youth outcomes.

The co-design process includes working with a team of school leaders and school personnel at three middle schools to analyze and reimagine their ISS process and infrastructure.

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Welsh’s study reveals persistent racial disparities in school exclusionary discipline, recommends promising reforms

Welsh’s essay emphasizes need for antiblackness framework to reduce inequality in school discipline

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• Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development

Commitment to Community

• Posted May 15, 2024
• By Maya Wesby

The Intellectual Contribution Award recognizes graduating Ed.M. students (one from each master’s degree program) whose dedication to scholarship enhanced HGSE’s academic community and positively affected fellow students. All recipients were nominated by their classmates based on who inspired them, helped them gain a different perspective on education's challenges, and contributed to shared learning and intellectual growth, both inside and outside of the classroom. Each program's faculty directors, in consultation with other faculty and staff, selected the final honorees for their program based on the nominations and on demonstrated academic success.

Anthony Otadoy Garciano and Srishti Gulati will be honored with the Intellectual Contribution Award for the Education Policy and Analysis (EPA) Program during HGSE Convocation exercises on May 22. Below, our faculty members comment on the selections, and we asked the winners about their time at HGSE, their future goals, and their approach to impacting the field of education.

Anthony Otadoy Garciano, Ed.M.'24

"During his time in the Education Policy and Analysis program, Anthony Garciano exemplified a commitment to socially engaged scholarship. He consistently asked incisive questions that provided thoughtful insights and alternative perspectives, benefiting the entire cohort. Anthony brought a spirit of kindness and care to all of his work. Peers described Anthony as someone who catalyzed their intellectual growth and was always generous with his time, readily stopping whatever he was doing to help those around him gain a deeper understanding. Anthony embodied the qualities of a servant leader in all he did at HGSE, always seeking to advance opportunities for debate and critical inquiry among his peers. Anthony's presence enriched the EPA program, and our faculty concur that he is deserving of this recognition." — The EPA Faculty Team

What is something that you learned this year that you will take with you throughout your career in education? Believing in someone can go a long way and, by no small measure, change lives. As teachers, we freely supply our heart and soul to our kids, believing they can learn and do good for themselves, their families, and their communities. But sometimes, we forget to do the same for ourselves. At least I did. I learned to trust my intentions and intuition again this year thanks to friends and professors who reminded me that I belong in this work.  

What surprised you about your time at HGSE? Statistics is fun! Special shout-out to Joe McIntyre , Zach Himmelsbach , and Carrie Conaway for making data fun.  

Is there any professor or class that significantly shaped your experience? Professor Fernando Reimers taught me that we need fierce optimism to survive in this work. At the same time, Professors Emiliana Vegas and Meira Levinson showed me that we must balance this optimism with rigor and ethics. Professor Julie Reuben demonstrated that there is power and joy in piecing the past together, while Lecturer Bruno della Chiesa helped me think in abundance. And Lecturer Jaein Lee showed me that good teaching goes beyond what is taught; it is also how you make others feel.  

What are your post-HGSE plans? Where are you hoping to make the most impact? I will teach third grade right after graduation. I also want to do educational work in the Philippines and learn more. Whatever I do, I want to make my parents, Noeme and Antonio Garciano, proud. Gihigugma ko ikaw, gihigugma tika, mahal na mahal kita .  

Srishti Gulati, Ed.M.'24

"Over the past year, Srishti Gulati has distinguished herself as an intellectual leader in the Education Policy and Analysis Program and in the wider HGSE community. In particular, Srishti was critical in deepening her peers' understanding of quantitative material, the EPA 101 curriculum, and how to identify effective and equitable methods for capturing and analyzing data. Fellow students praised her ability to inspire discussions that balance rigor and kindness, exemplifying the best of the EPA Program. One of Srishti's peers shared that through her knowledge and patience, she helped heal their childhood insecurities about math and offered cultural perspectives that deepened their understanding of education beyond a solely American context. Additionally, Srishti has gone above and beyond to share her expertise and experiences by presenting at the Alumni of Color Conference ('Data Monitoring in Developing Countries: Navigating Unseen Power'), participating in storytelling through Double Take, and contributing her scholarship within the Identity, Power, and Justice in Education Concentration. On behalf of the EPA faculty, Srishti, congratulations on your well-deserved receipt of this award." — The EPA Faculty Team

What brought you to HGSE and what was your goal in coming here? I came to HGSE at a point in my career where I was looking for answers to specific problems I had encountered in my work, as well as for inspiration. I had been working as an applied researcher for a while and I was keen to deepen my research skills towards these problems. I've always enjoyed being in a classroom and learning new things, I was very excited to be a student again!

What is something that you learned this year that you will take with you throughout your career in education? There are so many things I have learned this year that I will take with me through life. The themes that are most salient to me right now are community and shared purpose. My circle of friends and the community that we created in the Identity, Power and Justice in Education Concentration have been such a big source of support this year. Beyond just support, these communities rooted in purpose have given me the courage and the safe spaces to explore new ideas in education. I hope to carry forward this community and continue to build similar ones through my career!  

How did your HGSE experience shape your work or your goals? My time at HGSE has helped me build more conviction in my own ideas and has helped me integrate what I am learning into my experiences from my work. I will continue to work towards enabling holistic learning for children. I know so much more now, and I have so many amazing peers to learn and work with on this journey!  

Is there any professor or class that significantly shaped your experience? My journey at HGSE would not have been the same without Senior Lecturer Gretchen Brion-Meisels . Her yearlong course on Researching In Community has deeply challenged and evolved my ideas and practice of research. She has been an invaluable mentor and I have learnt so much about practicing love and facilitating loving spaces from her!  

The latest research, perspectives, and highlights from the Harvard Graduate School of Education

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