Castagno, A. E., & Brayboy, B. M. J. (2008). Culturally responsive schooling for indigenous youth: A review of the literature. Review of Educational Research 7 (8), 941-993. DOI: 10.3102/0034654308323036.

This article is much more than just a literature review. Its 192 source (!) reference list could function as a library shelf of relevant literature – I invite you to scan it looking for sources to support your own research and projects. Incidentally, it cites our own Dr. Marker. Further, the article does not just review the literature; it critically analyzes the common themes presented and the areas that can still be improved.

“Culturally Responsive Schooling” – the title caught my attention because teaching methods that enhance teacher-student relationships are the focus of my research.  Because of the broad spectrum of research reviewed, however, this article is relevant to all ETEC 521 students. I think everyone should use this as a reference!

The review begins with dismal statistics for Indigenous student achievement in the United States. The authors acknowledge that most teachers and districts are interested in ways to address the disparity, but state that the plethora of research can be daunting. Their aim is to gather, condense, and synthesize the literature to make it more accessible. Included are a history of Indigenous schooling, a rationale for culturally responsive schooling, an overview of culturally responsive curriculum and pedagogy, necessary teacher attributes, issues and challenges that arise with culturally responsive schooling, and a summary of the most successful culturally responsive schooling methods.

The authors stress that truly culturally responsive schooling will be a lengthy process of change involving the effort and goodwill of many intricate systems. The knowledge exists, as they show: implementation must begin/continue.