Abstract
As part of a larger case study, this research delves into how culturally sustaining pedagogies were constructed in one alternative school, focusing on the role of relationship building between teachers and students in re-engaging students in learning. In many countries second-generation immigrant youth of certain backgrounds drop out of school at higher rates and/or have lower rates of college enrollment compared to students from the dominant group. These educational inequities are well-documented, but the impact of culturally sustaining pedagogies as a method for increasing equitable outcomes is less documented for second generation immigrant youth. There are also not many places that center these pedagogical models throughout schools in authentic ways. In centering learner diversity and identities as a means of re-engaging youth, I delve into research that I conducted while also teaching in an alternative school in the Northeastern United States. I interviewed alumni and staff in the school, conducted focus groups with current students, and conducted Participatory Action Research with seniors in the program. Interviews were transcribed and coded. Data was analyzed in collaboration with students from the program. Findings revealed the importance of having educators from the same racial/cultural backgrounds as students, the impact of educators who engage with students outside of school and of spaces/time during each week focused on relationship building (through games, field trips, check-ins, and restorative circles). These themes were found to be correlated with higher attendance among students and engagement in the curriculum, as well as the construction of strong academic identities.
Presenters
Raquel Sáenz OrtizAssistant Professor, Education, Southwestern University, Texas, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2022 Special Focus: Intercultural Learning in Plurilingual Contexts
KEYWORDS
Culturally sustaining pedagogies, Immigrant youth, Urban education, Alternative schooling
