The study of culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) within a social and emotional learning (SEL) program is timely as it supports the increasing body of literature on narrowing the educational gaps prevalent among Black students. Current research is lacking regarding if and how educators utilize CRP to support the learning of SEL competencies with Black students. For this study, the tenets of cultural relevance, SEL competencies, and the leadership practices of one urban district seeking to increase its overall accountability rating as deemed by the state of Texas were examined. The purpose of this study was to determine the adequacy of the district's response to the needs of Black students in terms of cultural relevance when selecting a SEL program and developing a support plan for the program's implementation at the campus level. A secondary purpose was to examine the extent to which the district embedded CRP practices into their adopted SEL program. A qualitative exploratory research design and case study research approach were utilized. Documents related to the SEL program chosen by the district were analyzed. In addition, semi-structured interviews with district leaders and a focus group with campus administrators were conducted. It was found that there were no direct actions by the district toward ensuring that district's SEL program was culturally relevant nor was there support provided to ensure that SEL was implemented in a way that would be meaningful to Black students. Implications for future practice, recommendations for future research, and a researcher reflection serve as the conclusion.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc2137569 |
Date | 05 1900 |
Creators | McCowan, Alicia E. |
Contributors | Pazey, Barbara, Hudson, Johnetta, Waddell, Stephen, Ezzani, Miriam |
Publisher | University of North Texas |
Source Sets | University of North Texas |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
Format | Text |
Rights | Public, McCowan, Alicia E., Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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