Evaluation of a Native Hawaiian Culture and Cultural Trauma Professional Development

• In Event: Education Research in Search of Indigenous Truths: Education Policy, Teacher Education, and Schooling

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide insight into the need for culturally responsive programming among schools that have a high population of Native Hawaiian youth and discuss the impact that a single 5-hour professional development had on teacher cultural knowledge and practices. Over 70 teachers participated in a professional development and completed a pre-post survey that included validated tools and open-ended questions. Results showed that the professional development had a positive impact on change of knowledge, comfortability, and social-emotional skills of teachers. Additionally, qualitative data was analyzed and three themes were identified as significant across participants. Professional development that focuses on cultural trauma and Native Hawaiian culture has the potential to positively influence teachers practices in their classroom.

Authors

• Erin Elizabeth Centeio, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
  Presenting Author

• A. Kuʻulei Serna, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
  Presenting Author