Date of Award
Spring 6-13-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning Sciences
Organizational Unit
Morgridge College of Education, Teaching and Learning Sciences, Curriculum and Instruction
First Advisor
Kimberly Schmidt
Second Advisor
Paul Michalec
Third Advisor
Brette Garner
Fourth Advisor
Marc Guerrero
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
College and career readiness, Cultural relevance, Culturally relevant pedagogy, Culturally sustaining pedagogy, Student achievement, Student identity
Abstract
Students of color face persistent educational and systemic barriers that impact their success in college and career readiness (CCR) programs. Standardized approaches to CCR often fail to address the cultural identities, lived experiences, and needs of diverse learners (Castro, 2013; Malin et al., 2017; Welton & Martinez, 2014). Guided by the theoretical framework of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, with the extension of Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, this instrumental case study investigates how one CCR initiative—the Legacy Scholars Program (LSP), implemented by a Western Urban School District—integrates culturally responsive practices to better serve students of color. Through interviews, observations, and artifact analysis, this study explores how LSP program facilitators, goals, and structures promote cultural identity development, provide effective support systems, and influence learning outcomes. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how CCR programs can shift from traditional, compliance-based models to more inclusive, student-centered frameworks that affirm identity and build agency among historically marginalized student populations.
Copyright Date
6-2025
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Jacqueline Turner
Provenance
Received from ProQuest
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
167 pgs
File Size
1.3 MB
Recommended Citation
Turner, Jacqueline, "Paving the Way: Cultural Relevance in College and Career Readiness Programs" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2609.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2609
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Disability and Equity in Education Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Education Policy Commons, Secondary Education Commons