Date of Award

Fall 12-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Foundations & Leadership

Program/Concentration

Educational Leadership

Committee Director

Steven Myran

Committee Member

Rachel White

Committee Member

Jori Beck

Abstract

Using a theoretical framework of critical race theory and conceptual frameworks of cultural education, this study explores the intersection of district-university partnerships and culturally responsive education. The purpose of this mixed methods case study was to examine the formulation and outcomes of a district-university partnership established to offer a college level course focused on anti-discrimination, equity and inclusion, and social justice in schools. Using survey data, I explored the relationship between participation in the course and the participants’ self-reflection in the areas of empathic concern and perspective taking, preparation for culturally responsive teaching and equitable practices, and comfortability with discussions about race. I conducted three interviews with course developers in the school district related to the sustainability of the partnership and the impact of the social-political context on the curriculum design. In addition, I examined how participants’ discourse during the course was reflective of empathic concern and perspective taking. Findings revealed participation in the course impacted educators’ self-reflection, and provided opportunities for discourse reflective of empathic concern and perspective taking. The district-university partnership demonstrated four elements of sustainability: well-defined administrative structure, clear focus, shared decision making, and ongoing process of evaluation. This research study will contribute to the field’s understanding of district-university partnerships in a rural setting, to school districts considering university-district partnership opportunities, and to universities and practitioners training current educators on culturally responsive practices.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Copyright, 2022, by Trenice Shauntel Durio, All Rights Reserved.

DOI

10.25777/1rw6-vc09

ISBN

9798371978714

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