Manifesting the Mana (Power) of Culturally Responsive Education: A Collaborative Assessment Validation Project

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The challenges of being responsive to cultural diversity with alternatives to standardized assessments are critical in indigenous communities. Our ability to design and conduct culturally responsive assessments is constrained by the lack of tools and methodologies that reflect the worldviews and values outside those of the dominant culture. Four schools are collaborating on a project to participate in an assessment validation external review of school developed culturally relevant assessments. This work is designed to recognize a strength-based approach to student learning in order to manifest the mana of learning within the cultural context of each school. Presenters will share assessment rubrics, unit plans, and student work samples and explain how they provide a counter narrative to the current assessment dialogue.

Sub Unit

• Division H - Research, Evaluation and Assessment in Schools / Division H - Section 3: Assessment in Schools

Chair

• Chelsea Nicole Kiele Keehne, Kamehameha Schools

Participants

• Jamie Cruz, Kamaile Academy

• Kuʻuleianuhea Awo Chun, Mālama Honua

• Ben Cronkright, McRel International

Presenters

• Paul Kepka, Kamaile Academy

• Denise Espania, Mālama Honua Public Charter School

• Heather Kanoe Ahuna, Kanuikapono Public Charter School

• Lois Ann Ell, Kanuikapono Public Charter School

Papers

• Hawaiian-Focused Charter School Hōʻike: A Demonstration of Student Achievement of the Hawaiian-Focused Charter School Vision of the Graduate - Chelsea Nicole Kiele Keehne, Kamehameha Schools

• Culturally Relevant Performance Assessments: Lessons From Hawaiian-Focused Charter Schools - Chelsea Nicole Kiele Keehne, Kamehameha Schools; Denise Espania, Mālama Honua Public Charter School

• Culturally Responsive Instruction and Literacy Learning - Chelsea Nicole Kiele Keehne, Kamehameha Schools; Alice Kawakami; Kathryn H. Au, SchoolRise, LLC