Conceptual Framework

Education Conceptual Framework

An organizational graphic representing the Education Department's conceptual framework. The entire diagram is enclosed within a large circle labeled "Cultural Responsiveness" at the bottom. Inside, a three-set Venn diagram shows the intersection of "Relationship" (top left), "Reflective Practice" (top right), and "Professional Development" (bottom). At the core where all three areas overlap, the central focus is defined as "Knowledge, Disposition, Skills."

The Education Department conceptual framework emerged from a program wide review of coursework and efficacy in 2009. It is central to our program planning and decision making and continues to mature and adapt in response to community needs.

Wrapping around our framework is the idea of cultural responsiveness. We see this as having the theory, the desire, and the skills to create relationships and deliver instruction successfully in a diverse community. This is the guiding principle of our program. Intersecting in the framework are the ideas of interactions, reflective practice, and professional development.

Quality educators have clear, high expectations for all learners. Interactions are characterized by respect and support for the individual, their unique abilities, interests, and cultures.

Reflective practice is best summed up by Paulo Freire’s idea of praxis, or the never ending cycle of theory, action, and reflection. When we engage in deep reflection on our interactions and our teaching, opportunities to grow become evident. This is represented by professional development.

At the center of our framework are knowledge, skills, and dispositions. This placement recognizes the importance of cultivating all of these ideas within the overlapping contexts.