Achieving Educational Sovereignty Through Culture-Based School and Community Partnerships

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

Abstract

A network of public schools in Hawaiʻi are grounded in Hawaiian language and culture and exist to provide educational sovereignty for families. While school’s mission reflects a distinct community, collectively they value cultural, community, college, and career readiness. Network schools implement ʻĀina (land)-based Education, creating reciprocal relationships among land, people, and community resources and strengthening learners’ identities. The Indigenous Framework for Culturally Responsive Instruction is the foundation of a project with three Network schools and community partners that blends ancestral wisdom with western educational best practices. Presenters will share PK-12 units plans and rubrics to outline the content/context of culturally relevant instruction and assessments to illustrate how the symbiotic relationships mutually benefit both partners and the larger community.

Authors

• Denise Espania, Mālama Honua Public Charter School
  Presenting Author

• Chelsea Nicole Kiele Keehne, Kamehameha Schools
  Presenting Author