Thesis advisor: Martin Scanlan / As the populations of public schools in the United States grow increasingly more diverse, it is critical for district and school leaders to understand how educators make sense of their responsibility to improve outcomes for historically marginalized students. Culturally responsive practice (CRP) is a framework of beliefs and practices to enhance these students’ success. Additionally, it is well established that family engagement in schools also supports student achievement. This qualitative case study explores the intersection of CRP and family engagement by focusing on two research questions: (1) How do educators understand CRP in efforts to engage families of marginalized students and (2) How do educators enact that understanding in practice? It is part of a larger case study examining understanding and enactment of CRP in a diverse Massachusetts school district. Along with Mapp’s (2013) Dual Capacity Building Framework of family engagement, I apply Maitlis’ (2005) organizational sensemaking theory to data collected from semi-structured interviews, document review and an online survey. Findings reveal that educators understood CRP in regards to family engagement as the need to know students and families and recognize differences in their cultures. Also, educator understanding emanates from both personal and professional experiences including learning from colleagues, students and families. However, educators lack a common definition or understanding of CRP in regards to family engagement. Consequently, family engagement practices vary and tend to be more traditional versus reflective of CRP. This study revealed the need for stronger district direction and support for CRP and family engagement. / Thesis (EdD) — Boston College, 2020. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Educational Leadership and Higher Education.

This study identified the information seeking behavior and networking practices used by members of a specific marginalized population, that of adult female probationers (AFPs) in a rural county in Texas. The study focused on how they seek out information when faced with a self-identified need in their lives. Beyond the basic "food, shelter and clothing" that comes to mind, the respondents find themselves faced with questions not only about the judicial system but also ones involving health care, employment, transportation, child-care, and other. The study utilized a qualitative research approach to gather data about the AFPs' information behavior and networking activities. The AFPs were asked about their information behavior during their time in the judicial system and after that involvement ended, and about their use of three points of information access: personal social network, physical resources, and electronic resources. Data was also gathered from community members (CMs) who have a role either within the judicial system or external to the judicial system. In its findings, the study determined there is no single point of access to a comprehensive listing of resources for the AFPs to utilize, and that AFPs reported seeking information via two ways as based on the type of question being raised. The study found that a hierarchy of needs should include access to the internet, if not an electronic device itself. The study also found there is a strong relationship between an AFP's personal social network and their support system, and that, beyond access to information, there is an element of information receptivity involved with their success. Based upon the insights provided by the AFPs and CMs, the study provides recommendations to improve information dissemination, especially about available resources, and to facilitate AFPs' access to same. With the study's conclusion, a report will be submitted to members of the rural county's judicial system who have stated a strong interest in the study's recommendations for potential implementation.

Purpose LGBTQ patients experience marginalization and discrimination when seeking healthcare in the Southern Region of the United States. As a result, they experience negative healthcare outcomes. Collecting sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI data) is vital in decreasing health disparities and improving hospitalized LGBTQ patients’ quality of care. Providers cannot adequately assess health risk factors or deliver culturally competent care without SOGI data knowledge. Aims The aim is to collect SOGI data during intake to implement a standard of care to promote LGBTQ health outcomes and decrease marginalization. Processes To understand how to provide high-quality care to LGBTQ patients, providers receive instruction on the importance of collecting SOGI data and cultural competency training using the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) guideline. After IRB determined the project as not research involving human subjects, SOGI data questions (your current gender identity is and describe your sexual orientation) were added to the EHR demographic health history section. Provider adoption of collecting SOGI data is measured by extracting data from the EHR. Results Results will determine the providers’ responsiveness to implementing SOGI data questions into the EHR. Limitations Provider having a choice of collecting SOGI data, the small sample size of providers, and the project’s location are limitations. Conclusions LGBTQ individuals have more health inequities and face marginalization when accessing healthcare. SOGI data collection is essential for assessing health risk factors, improving health outcomes, and creating a safe and inclusive healthcare environment for LGBTQ patients.

No description available.