Mixed-Method Study of Teachers' Perceptions of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Implementation of Sociopolitical Consciousness

• In Event: Cultivating Critical Consciousness in Teacher Education

Abstract

Ladson-Billings’ Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) is framed by three tenets: 1) academic success; 2) cultural competency; and 3) sociopolitical consciousness, equipping students with skills and literacies to challenge the status quo of the current social order and engage productively in a democracy. This mixed-method study investigates teachers’ perspectives on CRP and the extent to which they believe they are implementing CRP, according to Ladson-Billings' three-prong definition. Survey data from over 300 diverse teachers offer quantitative data to identify relationships between ratings of each CRP tenets’ importance and the frequency with which they implement associated practices in classrooms. Qualitative interview data probes reasons for the disparity between low implementation despite high importance ratings for sociopolitical consciousness-related practices.

Authors

• Stephanie L Savick, Notre Dame of Maryland University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Rachel E. Durham, Notre Dame of Maryland University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Candice Logan-Washington, Baltimore County Public Schools
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kelli Hickey, Baltimore County Public Schools
  Presenting Author