This Was All Us: The Experience of Middle School Youth Engaging in YPAR Within Their White Community.
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Authors
Carlson, Rebecca
Date
2023-12
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
AN ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION OF
Rebecca Carlson for the degree of Doctor of Education presented on June 19, 2023.
Title: This Was All Us: The Experience of Middle School Youth Engaging in YPAR
Within Their White Community.
Abstract approved:
____________________________________________
Annette M. Holba
Dissertation Committee Chair
This phenomenological study examines the experience of middle school youth at a small
public school in New Hampshire as they engaged in youth participatory action research
(YPAR) designed to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within their
predominantly White suburban community. This study centered the 22 participants’
perspectives by employing only the students’ written or spoken words for first and
second cycle coding. Data sources included small group and individual semi-structured
interviews and student presentations. The themes of agency and developmental
relationships permeate these findings. The ideal YPAR outcome of praxis was not
realized, however, and an explanation for that shortcoming is explored. The central
findings of this study provide educational leaders an effective model for YPAR
opportunities within a public-school setting. They also speak to possible challenges to
social justice education created by the current political climate and recommend steps
educational leaders should take to support students and educators engaging in social
justice work.