Finding roots in the Montessori social studies curriculum

This action research aimed to determine if an equity audit of the Montessori social studies curriculum and learning about the researcher’s culture impacted professional self-efficacy and resilience. This six-week intervention and study was a self-study through daily regimented activities. Three weeks were used to learn more about the researcher’s own culture and history. Three additional weeks were dedicated to the equity audit process, where the researcher revised original lessons or created new, culturally sustaining lessons to augment the curriculum. The data collected was completed daily using four tools: an attitude scale, a guided questionnaire, a reflective journal, and finally during the three-week audit period, a curriculum audit checklist. The data suggested strong levels of self-efficacy and resilience across the intervention, though resilience wavered and lowered throughout due to its taxing nature. Additional supports and research can better support educators of color prepare for altering and implementing a culturally sustaining and anti-bias, antiracist Montessori social studies curriculum