"My Family Outside of My Family": Care-Based Relating in a Model Early College High School

• In Event: New Directions in Research on Teacher-Student Relationships

Abstract

Early college (EC) is an innovative public school model which combines high school and college charged with increasing underrepresented students’ access to higher education through engaging, hands-on instruction in a supportive learning environment. This phenomenological inquiry examines the role of care-based relating (Noddings, 1984; 2002) experienced through the school community. Participants described EC teachers’ responsive instruction and learning supports which fostered students’ academic success and commitment to learning. Teachers and students noted family-like relationships marked by longitudinal commitment to the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of learners in and out of school. Findings hold implications for educational policy and public school structuring which ensure educational equity through school cultures which foster meaningful relationships, responsive practices, and wrap-around services for students.

Authors

• Omer Ari, Georgia State University

• Teresa R. Fisher-Ari, Georgia State University

• Jim Killacky

• Roma B. Angel, Appalachian State University