Indigenous Education Commons^™

Khaled Hosseini’S Judgment In The Kite Runner Towards Pashtun And Hazara Identities, Bilal Waziri, Dawod Mangal, Kamaldeen Kamal

Journal of Research Initiatives

This book review offers a compelling examination of Khaled Hosseini's portrayal of Pashtun and Hazara identities in his acclaimed novel, *The Kite Runner*. Through a literary-ethnographic lens, the research delves into how narrative techniques can construct, amplify, or distort ethnic representations, particularly within the tumultuous backdrop of Afghanistan. The novel is scrutinized for its stark depiction of Pashtuns as oppressors and Hazaras as perennial victims, which risks perpetuating a simplistic and problematic singular narrative. Employing a library-based qualitative approach, this paper thoughtfully interprets textual evidence within the rich sociocultural and historical landscape of Afghanistan. The findings reveal that while the …

Advancing Literacy Instruction: Bridging Evidence-Based And Culturally Responsive Practices To Serve All Learners, Jamie L. Nord

The Interactive Journal of Global Leadership and Learning

As Minnesota's student population becomes increasingly diverse, persistent literacy achievement gaps among students of color, multilingual learners, and students from low-income backgrounds demand urgent attention. While the state's READ Act mandates structured, evidence-based literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading, its successful implementation must not overshadow the equally vital need for culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy. This white paper argues for a comprehensive, dual-framework approach that integrates both evidence-based literacy practices and culturally affirming instructional strategies

Enhancing Educational Outcomes For English Learners: The Role Of Culturally Responsive Teaching And Professional Development In Texas, Elisa Garcia, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

The increasing population of English learners (ELs) in Texas public schools requires a focused approach to their education. This article explores the challenges faced by ELs, including the risk of misplacement in educational programs and the need for culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. Drawing on recent research, the article highlights the importance of professional development (PD) tailored to the unique needs of ELs. Effective PD programs should prioritize cultural and linguistic awareness, collaborative learning opportunities, and strategies for differentiated instruction. The article also discusses the significance of engaging parents and the community in supporting ELs. By implementing these recommendations, …

Everything Is Bigger In Texas: English Learners And The Difficulty Within Assessment, Identification, And Program Development, Gloria A. Avila, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

This report explores the critical components of effective program placement for English learners, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment and identification processes to ensure appropriate placement. It highlights the rapid growth of the EL population, particularly in the state of Texas, and underscores the importance of developing tailored educational programs that meet the unique needs of English learners. By examining current practices and identifying key areas for improvement, this paper aims to enhance the academic and linguistic outcomes for English learners, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

The Science Of Reading, Writing, And Dual And English Language Learners, Vickie Johnston, Nika Verna

Journal of English Learner Education

This paper presents an evidence-based approach to meeting the needs of dual language and English Language Learners (ELL) that includes leveraging the skills and knowledge of the home language, oral language instruction, and the utilization of both effective writing instruction and multicultural children’s literature. This evidence-based approach includes insights gleaned from the science of reading (SOR) and research on writing development with ELLs and instruction needed to help their written communication skills. Practical classroom applications for using multicultural children’s literature include integrating the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to ensure the literature chosen is necessary for some and beneficial …

Transforming K-12 Classrooms: Ten Essential Strategies For Cultural Responsiveness, Sandra Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Regina Reber

Journal of English Learner Education

Across the United States, in K-12 classrooms, diverse student populations continue to increase, challenging educators to meet student cultural, linguistic, and academic needs. The study examined the best practices related to culturally responsive teaching (CRT) strategies to better meet all students' needs. A qualitative approach was used to collect data from licensed K-12 educators in New Mexico and Colorado. The findings revealed three essential themes: culturally responsive pedagogy, the positive impact of CRT, and the creation of physical spaces to support inclusivity. The findings revealed the significance of building strong relational capacity, encouraging collaboration, supporting multilingualism, and creating effective physical …

Why The “Whole Language Approach” To Reading Fails Ell Students & Instructional Strategies To Employ Instead, Caitlyn E. Petrus

Journal of English Learner Education

The research presented in this article demonstrates a qualitative view of the science of reading for phonemic awareness instruction, phonics instruction, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension strategies for English Language Learners (ELLs) in PK-12 schools. The research builds upon esteemed writers Dr. Sharon Vaughn and Dr. Sylvia Linan-Thompson’s work in their book Research-Based Methods of Reading Instruction for Learners, Grades K-4 and other reading experts such as Dr. Wiley Blevins and Dr. Lisa Moats to apply to the growing population for ELLs in PK-12 schools and how to shift from a “whole language classroom” to a classroom built on the …

Living Heritage, Resilience And Ethically Informed Infrastructures In Malawi, Martha B. Lerski, Frank Puluputu Mwale

Publications and Research

Rooted in a rural community’s needs, this paper explores how historically, and ethically informed infrastructures can support community engagement towards identification, documentation, and dissemination of local, traditional, and indigenous knowledge relating to climate change. The paper examines climate adaptation and sustainability issues through the lenses of community organizing and Library & Information Science best practices. It draws on a growing body of literature identifying a role for expanded epistemological and subject discipline perspectives. While the impacts of climate on material culture are increasingly recognized, intangible, and biocultural heritage have not received as much attention. Living heritage traditions and knowledge systems …

Arts-Based Sustainability: From New York To Malawi, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Recognizing that libraries serve multiple constituencies and subject areas, this chapter documents and advocates for development of transdisciplinary arts-based research (ABR) and culture-related projects linked to environmental challenges. Libraries contribute collections and spaces, as well as the research of library and information scientists. Libraries are currently among invisible contributors to sustainability planning and services. The chapter will link this invisibility to the value of what visual arts refer to as negative space elements in subjects ranging from traditional ecological knowledge to environmental science. Library collections, projects, and research contribute to education for sustainable development (ESD) as required to achieve the …

Sociology: Culture, Marcia Morrison

Open Educational Resources

This work examine culture. It begins by examining the foundations of culture to include norms, values, language, symbols and knowledge. In looking at each, it breaks down the implication of each to the development of ourselves as well as the person in the environment. It moves on to look at contexts of culture such as dominant cultures juxtapose to competing cultural systems, and how the various elements of culture can serve to either promote or minimize the various cultural constructs within society.

A Seat At The Schoolhouse Table: Reimagining Education Through Afrofuturist And Womanist Theory, Natasha M. Capers

Student Theses

“A Seat at the Schoolhouse Table: Reimagining Education Through Afrofuturist and Womanist Theory” critically examines how curriculum, even when well-intentioned, can perpetuate harm by excluding the lived experiences of marginalized communities—especially Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ students. Using a real middle school immigration assignment given to the author's son as a case study, this capstone deconstructs the structural biases embedded in curriculum design and proposes a radical reimagining through the liberatory lenses of Afrofuturism and Womanism. Blending scholarly inquiry, personal narrative, and community-based interviews, this project offers a restructured assignment that centers joy, identity, and speculative storytelling as tools for educational …

Collaborative Research: Developing And Testing Innovations: Early Childhood Maker Literacies: Fostering Computational Thinking Among Navajo Youth And Educators, Kristin Searle

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Famílias Indigenas Entre Mundos: Standing In Pachakuti, Living In Chi’Xi Within The Constellation Of Their Comunidad De Saberes, Ymasumac Marañón Davis

Dissertations

To be Indigenous is to be la luz del mundo, to stand in your light and spread your sunrays, no matter winds or clouds of colonization that strive to dim you. This qualitative study explored ways Indigenous Latine families negotiate a sense of place within onto-epistemological realities and their home culture of learning and Western education. This research is desire-based (Eve Tuck, 2009), creating our own project of modernity, grounded in one Indigenous family’s experience within their Andean community. Drawing from Critical Latine Indigeneities Framework (Blackwell et al., 2017) and Chicana Feminist Epistemologies (Bernal, 1998), using an Entre Mundos methodology, …

Pedro Aceves Mfa Thesis, Pedro M. Aceves

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

My Work is about looking at Cruising through a queer decolonial lens. Using multiple mediums such as photo, glass, Augmented reality, and film, I explore these queer histories and aesthetics through not just an anthropological approach but also an artistic epistemological approach weaving together narratives of prehispanic and modern queer Latinidad.

Hands On Archiving: Aid In Reorganizing The San Bernardino County Museum Archive Room And Archival Material, Ezequiel Vera

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This paper documents the process and details of the History Archives Inventory Project at the San Bernardino County Museum (SBCM). Most of the work of this project is done in-person and will include photographic evidence of the project, a written portion that will explain the process of the project, and secondary literature that will help explain the process of the project and its corresponding decision making. The History Archives Inventory Project is a multiple year-long project; this paper will be limited to my time working on the project while completing my Master of Arts in History at CSUSB. My time …

"Integrating The Seven Stages Of Conocimiento With Nahuatl And Ralámuri Wisdom In Kosmic Feminism: My Creative Writer Identity.", Hilda Yaneth Sotelo Dr

Journal of Creative Writing Studies

This paper explores the intersection of Kosmic Feminism and the seven stages of conocimiento as outlined by Gloria Anzaldúa, integrating Indigenous wisdom from Nahuatl and Ralámuri traditions. It examines how decolonial thought, feminist theory, and creative writing can be transformative tools for personal and communal healing. Drawing on personal experiences rooted in the borderlands of Ciudad Juárez-El Paso and Rarámuri heritage, the author blends Anzaldúa’s framework of conocimiento with Indigenous perspectives to offer a critique of patriarchal systems and a vision of holistic, cosmic resistance. The seven stages of conocimiento—awakening (El Arrebato), liminality (La Nepantla), commitment (El Compromiso), healing (La …

From Oral Traditions To Digital Screens: The Evolution Of Folklore In The Modern Age, Echo Padgett

Student Scholar Symposium

This research explores how folklore and oral traditions adapt within digital spaces, focusing on Native American Skinwalker narratives and Biblical parables. By exploring these stories’ transformation on modern platforms, we are able to see the impact of digital media on traditional storytelling. In Navajo mythology, Skinwalkers are individuals, typically male, who practice the Witchery Way, gaining the ability to transform into animals to cause harm and disrupt the natural order. However, modern media often portrays them as monstrous, alien-like creatures, stripping away their cultural significance. The rise of sensationalized narratives, such as those surrounding Skinwalker Ranch, further these misconceptions, linking …

Just Plain(S) Native: Isolating Experiences Of Non-Plains Native Students At A Primarily Plains Nasnti, Bryne Qavvik Croyle Johnson

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025

Higher education institutions have historically underserved the needs of Native students, even when active efforts are made to the improvement of services and support. Sense of belonging is a particularly ephemeral point of student’s engagement with a campus community, and studies about Native students don’t always account for the vast cultural differences between the different tribes and villages. My aim with this study is to present for consideration the isolating effects of culturally nonspecific services and groups on Native students at the University of Minnesota, Morris, a Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI). Employing ethnographic interview methods and discursive analysis, I …

Learning From Indigenous Knowledge And Research, Rob Morrison

Faculty Publications

The goal of this sabbatical research is to learn more about non-Western ways of knowing and learning (epistemologies) and to become a more effective culturally responsive teacher. I investigated how Indigenous Knowledge and research practices can enrich current definitions and practices of Information Literacy and integrate them into the research process. Information Literacy is part of a larger and more complex research process that involves connecting researchers’ questions and purpose with literature reviews and the resulting new knowledge.

I am continuing my research journey that started with my dissertation work on Culturally Relevant Information Literacy and Critical Information Literacy (CIL). …

Sekolah Pancasila: An Educational Empowerment Effort For The Suku Anak Dalam In Sekaladi, Jambi, Tohap Pandapotan Simaremare, Nurul Quraini Aulia, Indra Budiman Nst, Putri Oktaviani Yulias, Sinta Wahidha As Shalikhah, Eva Gustiani, Teguh Widodo

Jurnal Civics: Media Kajian Kewarganegaraan

The Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) community in Sekaladi Village, Jambi, experiences inequality in access to education, a fundamental right of every citizen. This disparity has caused delays in their educational development, affecting their understanding of national values and human rights, prompting the Village Innovation Program team from the University of Jambi to implement an educational program called Sekolah Pancasila. This research aims to enhance SAD children's understanding of the values of Pancasila and the concept of Indonesia. This research used qualitative methods with an interactive and case study approach. The research location is in Jambi Province. The results show that …