Describes the use of sociograms and computer analysis of sociometric data in order to evaluate the progress of Springfield, Massachusetts, public schools toward racial integration. Also shows how these techniques can be used to encourage racial integration at the classroom level. (GC)

A sociometric instrument assessed the progress of a school system toward integration and provided feedback for teachers. A computer program generated information about classroom social structure, indicating progress in integration in the Springfield public schools. (LHW)

In 1978 the Springfield, Massachusetts school system began using sociometric techniques to analyze classroom social structure in grades 3-6 in order to provide feedback to teachers and data for evaluating the progress of integration. The sociogram asked students to choose whom they would work with on a school project, eat lunch with, pair up with…

Following implementation of a city-wide, court-ordered desegregation plan in the mid-1970's, a sociometric instrument was developed and administered in the Springfield (Massachusetts) Public Schools at both the upper and lower elementary school levels to analyze classroom social structure, provide feedback for teachers, and provide data for…

Desegregation in elementary schools in Springfield, Massachusetts, must be rated a success. Implementation of the desegregation program, which became a reality in 1974, was successful because of the following factors: strong leadership from the superintendent; support of the mayor and the school committee (in spite of their opposition to mandatory…