Thesis
Dropping out: the narrative of a formerly incarcerated Latino man
Washington State University
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
12/2015
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103648
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the relationship between dropping out/being pushed out of school and the road to delinquency/prison, through a personal narrative from someone who spent time in prison. The following research question guided this qualitative study: How does a Latino, previously incarcerated make sense of his school experience, specifically his dropping out? There is substantial statistical data on students' educational attainment, dropout rates and incarceration (i.e. the school-to-prison pipeline). However, very little research exists that examines this process through a personal narrative. Data for this research was gathered by conducting a single case study using a narrative, inquiry methodology. I chose to study/interview a dropout/ex-prison inmate, of self-identified Latino racial/ethnic minority status, who had resided at a state correction institution in the Pacific Northwest. Critical Race Theory and LatCrit, provided the theoretical lens and tools for the study and they were used to acknowledge the importance of oral histories, to recognize that minority students are creators and holders of knowledge, and to understand how minority students are being subordinated and marginalized in American schools. From this narrative, four major themes were found that could be useful to teachers and school administrators. Consistent with other research, the narrative revealed the problematic nature of the discriminatory and harsh disciplinary policies and rules, such as zero tolerance policies. Second, the importance of 'who acts real' - teachers and staff and 'what is real' - a meaningful curriculum that connects with student's current reality and their culture, was prominent. Third, caring for students, listening to them, knowing them more than just students has a profound effect on their well-being, influential impact on their academic success and far reaching effect on their future. Lastly, by being there for students, teachers will discover that marginalized students are more than able to become engaged, receptive to education and the leaders of tomorrow.
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Details
- Title
- Dropping out
- Creators
- Roy David Escobar
- Contributors
- Pamela Bettis (Chair)TARIQ TANVIR AKMAL (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Teaching and Learning, Department ofPAULA GROVES PRICE (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Teaching and Learning, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Number of pages
- 151
- Identifiers
- 99900525134801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis