Doctor of Philosphy

Doctor of Philosphy

Thesis (M.I.T.)--The Evergreen State College, 2007. / Title from title screen viewed (4/10/2008). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 160-168).

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Washington, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 170-175).

The purpose of this research study was threefold: to determine if a multicultural art program would have a positive effect on students' appreciation of their own art work, art from other cultures and attitudes towards other cultures. The program supported a multicultural view of art which emphasized the cultural similarities and values which were common to all students. A nonequivalent control-group design was used within a quasi-experimental framework. One grade eight class participated in the Multicultural Program while the other served as the control group. Both classes were pre- and posttested with the Borgardus Social Distance Scale and a Cultural Appreciation Measure to determine if there was an attitude or appreciation change as a result of the treatment. Student journals and a Journal Posttest also provided data for analysis and reflection. No significant statistical differences were found between experimental and control groups on the pre- and posttest. However, student journals and the Journal Posttest provided data to indicate a significant positive change in students' attitudes towards their own art and the art of other cultures. This was complemented by the researcher's journal which described the classroom proceedings. The results from the journals and the Journal Posttest indicate that teaching art through a multicultural perspective, which emphasizes the similarities across cultures, can change attitudes about art. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

No description available.

This dissertation is a study of the minzu stream for ethnic Tibetan students in the context of bilingual degree programs in China’s tertiary education system. It draws attention to the significance of bilingual ‘diversity’ education and its presumed role in ensuring cultural and social inclusion of Tibetan students in study programs and equity in educational and occupational attainment. This study finds that Tibetan students’ learning outcomes and career pathways are systemically restricted due to limited availability of specialized study areas in bilingual programs, poor education quality, homogenized academic training, and discrimination regarding the value of Tibetan graduates’ credentials for employment. As a result, Tibetan students’ educational and occupational opportunities are largely shaped by the structural conditions of the binary choice in ethnic streaming policy in tertiary education and the university mission that is primarily occupied with the political socialization of ethnic minority groups. Drawing on Bourdieu’s cultural reproduction theory, I argue that the social exclusion of Tibetans from fully participating in national tertiary education and exercising their language rights in academic study programs has been institutionalized in minzu higher education. The institutionalization of cultural and social exclusion effectively conceals the systemic inequalities embedded in the streaming practices and reproduces structural inequity in educational and occupational attainment.

No description available.

Historically marginalized students (HMS), defined for the purposes of this study as Latino, African American, and English Language Learners, in low-performing and low-socioeconomic schools (those usually with a high percentage students receiving free or reduced-price lunch) have received significant attention and research over the years. However, little attention has been paid to minority students at otherwise high-performing (mostly Caucasian) schools. Research suggests an achievement gap between HMS and Caucasian and Asian students. This case study sought to identify strategies to remedy this academic achievement gap. The focus of this study was the academic performance of HMS in a suburban setting. To better understand how a high-performing school affects academic performance by HMS, the researcher examined the classroom environment, teacher instructional strategies, leadership practices, and school support services of one such school. This study used a case study format to examine a suburban elementary charter school within an urban school district. The study specifically investigated the language arts instruction of two fourth- and two fifth-grade classrooms. These grade levels were selected due to evidence that the achievement gap begins to widen at this point in HMS school careers and continues through the 12th grade. Three data collection methods were used: (a) a document review of current fourth- and fifth-grade language arts curricula, (b) classroom observations conducted to identify teacher instructional strategies that support HMS, and (c) interviews with four teachers and two administrators after the observations. Known strategies that have positively influenced the achievement of historically marginalized students include equitable classroom instruction, positive teacher-student relationships, culturally relevant practices, a nurturing school culture, directed teacher professional development, and strong school leadership. The study sought to identify differentiated positive classroom environments, current use of teacher instructional strategies, elements of strong leadership practices, and implementation of school support services that foster academic achievement by HMS.

No description available.