Schools are sites of great power and influence where the “obesity” discourse is often taken uncritically as truth and reproduced, to the detriment of young people. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate how theories of fatness can inform theories of culturally relevant pedagogy with the goal of helping teachers create spaces where increased size acceptance is possible for secondary students. Literature from both these areas of study was reviewed and applied to the Ontario secondary curriculum documents for science and physical education. This analysis demonstrated a body acceptance orientation in teaching these disciplines, and that doing so can mitigate many of the negative effects of living in a fat hating world.

Title from second page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 79-86).

Despite firm knowledge of the instructional actions taken by skillful teachers, the evidence of persistently low levels of literacy achievement among urban secondary students underscores the complexity of achieving meaningful change in routine teaching practices. This study was motivated by the need to improve teaching practices and improve literacy achievement among Black and Latino youth. In this mixed-methods study, I researched the extent to which the understandings about effective instruction guided the instruction of two highly-regarded secondary English language arts classroom teachers. The data for this study included initial teacher interviews, videos of classroom observations, teacher and researcher reflections of practice, and teacher retrospective interviews. The analyses included identifying, analyzing, and classifying: (1) the occurrence of explicit instruction of reading strategies, development of requisite background knowledge, culturally responsive pedagogy, and disciplinary literacy in English language arts secondary classrooms, (2) the types of decisions teachers make related to these factors when enacting a standards-based curriculum, and (3) how these decisions affect student achievement. The analyses led to two major findings: (1) both teachers modified the new standards-based language arts curriculum, but in varied ways and for substantially different reasons; and (2) the students whose instruction included the use of research-based strategies to access and build requisite background knowledge along with disciplinary literacy strategies made significant gains in reading achievement. The overall results of this study confirm and expand the existing literature in several ways: (1) by calling attention to how curricular modifications related to the development of requisite background knowledge and instruction in disciplinary literacy strategies serve to facilitate students’ access to complex texts; (2) by identifying some of the reasons for and obstacles to curricular modification for particular teachers in particular contexts; and (3) by providing preliminary evidence of positive reading outcomes for Black and Latino students who read complex texts in classrooms in which teachers emphasize disciplinary literacy practices, development of requisite background knowledge, and explicit instruction in comprehension strategies.

Global competence--a necessary attribute in an increasingly interconnected world--describes having the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to act creatively and collaboratively on important global issues. In urban settings comprised of racial, ethnic, and/or linguistic-minority students, especially, a logical but seemingly underutilized facilitator of global competence would be instruction that draws from students’ funds of knowledge--the home-based practices central to a household’s functioning and well-being. In response to a need for deepened insight into how these concepts may interact in practice, the goal of this qualitative study was to better understand the experience of urban teachers as global competence educators, specifically, the extent to which they consider and utilize their students’ funds of knowledge in developing global competence. In this study, 30 Boston area teachers were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol to draw out their understandings of students’ funds of knowledge and their awareness of how these funds of knowledge might be used to further the development of global competence. Data produced in this study were analyzed through a multi-phase thematic coding process. A conceptual framework built upon existing definitions of global competence and funds of knowledge was developed to inform the design and methodology of this study, and was used as a guide for viewing and understanding the produced data. The two major findings of this study were that: (1) teachers, while seemingly able and willing to talk about global competence and funds of knowledge in relation to their students, did not seem to synthesize (or speak about their synthesis of) these concepts in practice, and, (2) in teacher interviews, potential global competence-supporting funds of knowledge were most often recognized in immigrant and/or economically privileged White students. The potential global competence-supporting funds of knowledge possessed by non-immigrant, minority, and presumably, low-income students were not routinely recognized or accessed.

Educational and public narratives on the achievement outcomes of Black boys in mathematics are too often negative. Contrary to these negative narratives, however, research affirms positive outcomes for students, including Black boys, when engaged in caring teacher–student relationships (see, e.g., Bartell, 2011; Roberts, 2009; Steele, 1992). Considering the growing importance of mathematics both nationally and globally, an investigation into the benefits of such caring relationship is important. But literature specific to caring teacher−student relationships, African American male students, and mathematics teaching and learning is all but nonexistent. For this reason, I sought to uncover the definition that African American male students had of teacher care, and how, if at all, an African American male teacher might influence their perceptions of teacher care. Additionally, I was intrigued with and wished to uncover any influence an African American male teacher might have on African American male students’ attitudes toward mathematics. The purpose of this qualitative study, therefore, was to explore the influence a “successful” African American male teacher had on three African American male students’ perceptions of teacher care and their attitudes toward mathematics. This critical ethnography was guided by an intersection of an eclectic array of theoretical traditions (Stinson, 2009), including care theory (e.g., Gilligan, 1982; Noddings, 1992), critical race theory (e.g., Ladson-Billings, 1998), and culturally relevant pedagogy (e.g., Ladson-Billings, 1992). This eclectic array aligned with both the philosophical foundations of the project and the methodological procedures employed. The project used ethnographic methods—specifically, participant observations and semi-structured interviews—during data collection. Data analysis identified six overarching themes that the participants used to describe teacher care: (a) motivation, (b) culture, (c) confidence, (d) discipline, (e) concern for futures, and (f) environment. The findings of this study suggest that teachers should reconsider the ways they care for African American male students, specifically, in the mathematics classroom, and that a caring teacher–student relationship has a positive influence on African American male students’ attitudes toward mathematics as well as their descriptions and perceptions of teacher care.

Thesis advisor: Patrick Proctor / Youth of color are owed an “education debt” from this country, built on systems that sought to disenfranchise people of color, from colonialism and slavery to legacies of redlining and present-day criminalization practices (Ladson-Billings, 2006). Black, Indigenous and Latinx youth have consistently been pushed out of schools at higher rates than other groups (Morris, 2016). In recognizing this problem, this dissertation examined the ways that one alternative program in an urban-area in the Northeast sought to re-engage youth of color through emancipatory pedagogical models. All students, except for one, were youth of color with the majority of students being of Caribbean origin (i.e. Haitian, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Trinidadian, St. Lucian, Jamaican). In examining a need for emancipatory pedagogies, I conducted interviews with alumni and focus groups with current students to understand the multitude of reasons that students had been pushed out of traditional schools in their previous educational experiences. I then conducted interviews with past and present staff, as well as observations in the program, to understand the different pedagogies that were created that promoted decolonization and liberation in this particular alternative program. I then analyzed the short and long-term impacts of the program, primarily in understanding how the program shaped student identities. This study employed a qualitative approach, including a Youth Participatory Action Research component, to examine the factors listed above. MAXQDA was used to code transcripts of focus groups and interviews to determine themes in understanding the development and impact of emancipatory pedagogical models. Findings indicated the importance of creating a foundation for emancipatory pedagogies through staff spaces and conversations to understand implicit biases and teaching philosophies. This work should then be enhanced by building deep and supportive relationships with students and teaching in ways that uplift students’ cultures and promote critical consciousness. Key impacts of these pedagogies were found in racial identity, which was tied to gender identity and academic identity. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2020. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Teacher Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction.

This century is characterized by an increasing pace of globalization and migration that results in an increased diversity of classroom populations in Western countries. However, the teacher workforce still consists mostly of white females that come from different cultural backgrounds than their students, and who seem to lack the skills to respond to diversity in the classroom effectively. This raises the question of how the cultural mismatch can be overcome. The aim of this research is to explore how pre-service teachers can develop culturally relevant pedagogy, so they can establish a classroom environment that suits the needs of all learners. A systematic literature review is conducted, and 10 articles were analysed. The results show pre-service teachers can develop culturally responsive pedagogy through courses that offer knowledge or a combination of knowledge and field-based experiences. Factors that contribute to increased culturally relevant pedagogy are: previous experience with diversity, connecting theory and practice, modelling, learning through a community of learners, and critical reflection. However, research indicates that becoming a culturally relevant teacher is a time consuming process. Hence, it is recommended that teacher education programs include more courses in the curriculum to enable pre-service teachers develop this skill over time through taking part in a community of learners. In addition, as much of the current research originates from the United States, it is suggested future research focuses on other Western countries.

This case study provides a holistic, qualitative, and ethnographic examination of the Wings Over Jordan Celebration Chorus in its dedication and commitment to preserving the Negro spiritual and the history embedded in these songs. The elements of critical race theory provide an interpretative framework to examine the role of race in the identity of the chorus. This dissertation documents the activities and experiences of members of this historical African American chorus, founded by Maestro Glenn A. Brackens in 1988, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legacy and history of the original Wings Over Jordan Choir, founded in 1938 by the late Rev. Glenn T. Settle of Gethsemane Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio. The purposes of this study are to: 1) examine the reasons why members of the Wings Over Jordan Celebration Chorus have chosen to preserve the Negro spiritual, 2) to investigate the musical activities and experiences in which members of the Wings Over Jordan Celebration Chorus and Wings Over Jordan Alumni and Friends, Inc. have engaged to preserve the Negro spiritual and 3) to examine the critical role racial identity has played in the motivation and valuation for preservation of Negro spirituals by Wings Over Jordan Celebration Chorus. Interviews and focus group meetings conducted with members of the Wings Over Jordan Celebration Chorus and its administrative body, Wings Over Jordan Alumni and Friends, Inc., provided evidence that the preservation of Negro spirituals through this organization takes place through performance, education, and documentation. Interviews conducted with Maestro Glenn A. Brackens revealed his philosophy related to performance practices and vision for the future of this chorus. The debate on how to best perform Negro spirituals was also considered. Findings from the research indicate the critical role racial identity has on the motivation and valuation for preservation of Negro spirituals by members of this chorus. Cultural identity and community identity share both a link and a direct connection to the choir’s collective identity as an African American chorus. The identification of the chorus encompasses its mission to celebrate its musical heritage and inspire future generations to do the same. This dissertation shares the steps the chorus has taken to fulfill this mission. Implications for music education and suggestions for future research include investigation of the activities and experiences of other choral groups that have yet to be documented, to find innovative ways to bridge the gap between generations to preserve the history and meaning of the Negro spirituals and their relevance for today’s world, and to collaborate with scholars in various fields to create culturally relevant music curricula inclusive of Negro spirituals.

The purpose of this research study was to examine how STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers incorporate culturally relevant teaching and multicultural education into their syllabi to prepare pre-service teachers (PSTs) with the expectation that this pedagogical method would result in successfully teaching diverse students. This study explored the history of K-12 STEM education as well as the access, participation, and performance of Black and Hispanic students in AP STEM courses. The final focus of the study was to examine how high school teachers of Advanced Placement (AP) STEM courses infuse culturally relevant practices into their teaching. The study examined data about the professional teaching experience, culturally relevant teaching (CRT) philosophy, and practices of teachers and how they create their syllabi to integrate culturally relevant teaching as they prepare pre-service teachers. In addition, it also examined and analyzed data from interviews with AP STEM teachers on the pedagogical and curricular materials they utilize to support the cultural diversity of students. The findings show that teacher educators and STEM in-service teachers are familiar with CRT and acknowledge its effectiveness as a strategy in reducing the achievement gaps that exist in the education of Black and Hispanic students when compared to White students. The findings also indicate that many teacher educators and in-service teachers can translate their understanding of CRT into practice as evidenced by the examination of their syllabi and lesson plans. However, teacher educators experience challenges in helping their PSTs see the relevancy of culture or culturally relevant teaching in STEM, and the AP teachers of STEM courses experienced challenges in maintaining student engagement and improving scores on the AP exams. This study suggests the necessity of supporting both STEM teacher educators and STEM in-service teachers through professional development to inform and support culturally relevant teaching in STEM education.

African-American student achievement is a pervasive problem for school communities. This qualitative research explores the Black Church’s role in the bicultural development of six African-American male students. Using the critical theory of biculturalism this study seeks to determine what aspects of the Black Church experience influence the African-American male’s ability to navigate the school environment and participate in school. This dissertation study utilized to complementary methodologies, testimonies, and witnessing, to document the students experiences in the school and church communities. Data analysis included holistic-content analysis. Findings indicate the Black Church was an effective vehicle for the empowering process of biculturation. Thought its critical teachings, cultural responsive care, and engaged pedagogy, the Black Church affirms the bicultural students and helps them contend with their personal experiences with oppressive individuals and structures. The findings support the need for the Black church to participate in the education reform efforts affecting African-American students. The findings also support a renewed focus on engaging teachers in the utilization of culturally responsive care in their interactions with African-American students.