The Significance of Self-Determination in Socially, Culturally, and Linguistically Responsive (SCLR) Education in Indigenous Contexts

Community control is essential for educational self-determination for Indigenous peoples. Several models demonstrate that education that includes socially, culturally, and linguistically relevant (SCLR) curriculum and pedagogy does not compromise academic rigor. However, more research investigating the connections, outcomes, benefits, and challenges is needed, particularly in this era of educational accountability. The connection between SCLR education, self-determination, and sovereignty are critical to discussions on Indigenous education. This article discusses those connections by (1) summarizing the research on SCLR education, with a particular concentration on language; (2) examining the impact of current educational policies; and (3) emphasizing a research focus on the connections between state/federal policies and school-based practices, models of SCLR education, and Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in education.