Living Histories: A Community-Engaged, Culturally Sustaining Curriculum Model for Middle School Social Studies
Item
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Title
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Living Histories: A Community-Engaged, Culturally Sustaining Curriculum Model for Middle School Social Studies
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Creator
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Kelleen Greene
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Degree Name
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Master of Science in Education: ESOL
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Project Type
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Professional Project
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Date
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6/15/2025
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Abstract
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Living Histories: A Community-Engaged, Culturally Sustaining Curriculum Model for Middle School Social Studies is a six-week curriculum designed to empower middle school students to explore underrepresented local histories through inquiry, service-learning, and digital storytelling. Drawing from culturally sustaining pedagogy (Paris & Alim, 2017), funds of knowledge (Moll et al., 1992), and place-based learning frameworks (Gruenewald & Smith, 2008), the curriculum centers student identity and community voice as integral to civic and historical understanding. Students engage in oral history interviews, community mapping, and public-facing presentations culminating in a digital “Living Histories Archive.” The project is aligned with Oregon Social Science Standards and includes differentiated supports for multilingual learners. The curriculum integrates academic rigor with participatory public scholarship, offering a replicable, equity-oriented model that advances inclusive civic education. This project also contributes to the professional growth of the author as a reflective curriculum designer and educational leader committed to justice-oriented pedagogy.
Keywords: culturally sustaining pedagogy, service-learning, social studies education, oral history, civic engagement, middle school curriculum, place-based education, multilingual learners.
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Keywords
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local history
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historical pluralism
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community engagement
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Committee Member
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Kenneth Carano
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Dana Ulveland
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Greg Zobel
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Rights
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Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/20/2025, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
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https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
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Language
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eng
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Type
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Text
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Identifier
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KelleenGreene_PP_2025
