Date of Award
8-2021
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Dr. Marie Cianca
Second Supervisor
Dr. Susan Hildenbrand
Abstract
The study collected data on culturally responsive teaching related to educators' and families' perceptions of academic programs for urban middle school students. Middle school students of color are academically 2-3 years behind their peers who are in predominantly White suburban districts. Current research indicates that teaching from a culturally responsive perspective can help students build relationships with their teachers and connect to their education. Additionally, current data signifies students perform better when their family is engaged in their education. This qualitative research study collected data from a combination of 12 educators and family members in an urban middle school setting. Four findings emerged from this study. First, infusing student voice and pop culture can introduce cultural inclusivity to an otherwise Eurocentric-based curriculum. Second, teachers can create a culturally responsive environment by acting on knowledge and interest in students’ lived experiences. Third, all school relationships drive student connectedness. Lastly, well-planned, intentional family and school initiatives create a living curriculum that can make a lasting difference. In addition to diversity, equity, and inclusion training, recommendations for future practice include instruction for all school staff on building authentic relationships with students and family members that create culturally inclusive spaces for students. Finally, recommendations for future research include quantitative and mixed-methodology studies and the triangulation of educators, parents, and student's voices.
Recommended Citation
Bardeen, Diane M. Ed. D., "Perceptions of Educators and Families of Urban Middle School Students’ Connectedness Related to Culturally Responsive Teaching" (2021). Education Doctoral. Paper 491.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/491
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.