ERIC Number: ED638634
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 106
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3801-7582-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Never Too Young: The Existence, Impact, and Sustainability of Ethnic Studies in Elementary School
Angela R. Guzman
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, San Jose State University
Ethnic Studies has existed in higher education for more than fifty years. In high school, critical education researchers have recognized Ethnic Studies as vital to improving attendance, lowering suspension rates, and boosting GPAs for BIPOC students. This has given rise to the recent K-12 Ethnic Studies model curriculum adoption by the State Board of Education, and the signing of Assembly Bill 101, making California the first state to require that all high school students complete a semester-long course in Ethnic Studies. Regrettably, Ethnic Studies continues to be mostly limited to higher education and grades 9-12 in public schools despite research documenting young children's ability to analyze a racialized society. Through an exploratory documentary-film study, this dissertation examines the possibilities and challenges of including Ethnic Studies in elementary schools as explained by teacher educators and Ethnic Studies faculty. As a result, the following themes emerged: (1) Ethnic Studies, curriculum and pedagogy, has a positive impact on all elementary aged students, particularly BIPOC students, (2) educators play a critical role in implementing authentic Ethnic Studies, and (3) children in elementary school are never too young to be exposed to Ethnic Studies. Recommendations are suggested for ways in which Ethnic Studies could be implemented by individual educators, schools, and school districts. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Ethnic Studies, Elementary Education, Public Schools, Barriers, Teacher Attitudes, Program Effectiveness, Minority Group Students, Teacher Role, Program Implementation
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A