AlterNative Perspectives on the Achievement Gap: A Native Youth Participatory Action Research Project on School Climate

• In Event: 25.058 - Pedagogy as Resilience for Indigenous Youth and Schools

Abstract

Questioning the ahistoric, individualized gaze of the achievement gap research, we conducted a mixed-methods youth participatory action research (YPAR) project to explore school climate & understand how institutional climate reinforces educational disparities. In year 1, we used qualitative and participatory methods to explore our school environments, validating critical literature on school pushout via mechanisms like: disproportionate discipline, biased curriculum, racialized bullying and teacher characteristics. In year 2, we designed and administered an AlterNative school climate survey (N=125). Our analysis found that pushout mechanisms had statistically significant effects on participant’s self-reported absence and GPAs. Using these findings, our 3rd year of the project is engaged in social action and education to broaden our discourse on the crisis in Native American education.

Author

• Katie Johnston-Goodstar, University of Minnesota