1 Overview: What is the OER Equity Blueprint?

The OER Equity Blueprint is designed to define, unpack, and explain the multiple dimensions of equity and foreground the role of OER in closing equity gaps.

The OER Equity Blueprint begins with the Theoretical Framework section, including a statement of the Blueprint’s vision, values, and definitions. The Theoretical Framework draws on the work of those scholars and academic leaders who have elevated equity and social justice as essential to the mission of public education. The following Research Foundation section provides an overview of research into why and how OER programs have worked to improve access and affordability, deepen student learning, and close equity gaps for historically underrepresented and minoritized students. This research is emerging. There are other research and impact studies underway that will bolster the evidence and case for the critical role OER play in addressing equity and student success.

The Blueprint then moves into the practice realm with a rubric organized by roles and functions within and across higher education institutions. The Equity Through OER Rubric is a self-assessment tool designed to guide students, faculty and other academic practitioners and leaders to understand and act on the equity dimensions of OER. The rubric is the heart of the Blueprint, the tangible application of the design that enables higher educators to comprehend the big picture and work deliberately through concrete action to achieve it. Moreover, through the unpacking of roles and responsibilities for those focused on building engagement with OER across the multiple dimensions of higher education institutions, the rubric foregrounds the extent to which equity and quality are inextricably bound.

The final section of the Blueprint is a Case Studies section that shares exemplars and stories of OER work seeking to advance equity, including but not limited to specific initiatives, projects, research, and analysis. Additional case studies will be welcome once the Blueprint is published.

The Blueprint is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY). It is designed to be adopted, adapted and customized by those who seek to utilize and improve it. DOERS3 intends for others to contribute their case studies, research, data and practice so that the Blueprint remains a living document, seeking continuous improvement and progress, like the movements for equity and social justice themselves.