Curriculum and Instruction | Open Access Articles

This paper examines the enduring architecture of the American education system as a mechanism designed for compliance, not creativity. Rooted in 19th-century industrial logic, the structure of schooling, its physical design, time constraints, and assessment methods, has remained largely static despite seismic cultural and technological shifts. Through historical analysis and contemporary critique, this work interrogates the persistence of standardized methods, institutional prestige, and top-down instruction as barriers to meaningful learning and value creation. Drawing from interdisciplinary research and live case studies, including Alpha School’s AI-powered, mastery-based model, the paper advances the concept of techno-education: a student-centered paradigm informed by feedback …

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Social Emotional Learning: Through A Culturally Relevant And Spiritual Lens, Albert Roman Jan 2025

Social Emotional Learning: Through A Culturally Relevant And Spiritual Lens, Albert Roman

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In today’s diverse educational landscape, the importance of integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into secondary English language arts classrooms cannot be overstated. This master’s project endeavors to address this need by developing a series of innovative SEL lessons tailored specifically for secondary ELA teachers. Grounded in the principles of culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy (CRSP) and enriched with insights from spiritual pedagogy (SP), the project aims to cultivate a holistic approach to education that nurtures students’ emotional well-being, cultural identity, and spiritual growth. The project is structured around the five pillars of SEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible …

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Exploring The Influence Of Ethnic Studies On Latinx Students In Rural Northern California, Georgina C. Salvarrey Jan 2025

Exploring The Influence Of Ethnic Studies On Latinx Students In Rural Northern California, Georgina C. Salvarrey

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Latinx students have historically encountered a traditional education system that often neglects their perspectives, histories, and epistemologies through curricula and pedagogical practices that favor hegemonic narratives. This marginalization has led to the obscuration of significant aspects of the histories of non-dominant racial and ethnic groups, effectively diminishing students’ ability to engage with both their local and global realities critically. Ethnic Studies, as an academic field, proposes an interdisciplinary educational approach that challenges the colonizing methods inherent in the Western educational paradigm by centering the narratives and experiences of People of Color. This ethnographic study investigates the experiences of Latinx high …

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Multi-Grade Classroom Professional Development And Curated Resources, Angie Marshall Jan 2025

Multi-Grade Classroom Professional Development And Curated Resources, Angie Marshall

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This project aims to provide educators and administrators with a comprehensive compendium of resources for effectively designing and implementing instruction in multi-grade classrooms. Limited research exists to support teachers who may struggle with the complexities of teaching multiple grade levels within a single classroom setting. Traditionally, educators obtain their teaching credentials, secure employment, and are expected to effectively instruct the students. However, when assigned to a multi-grade classroom, the instructional demands become significantly more intricate and potentially overwhelming.

The objective of this professional development and resource guide is to equip teachers and administrators with a structured resource to enhance the …

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Full Issue Oct 2024