Faculty Biography
Vitals:
Name: Rupam Saran
Title: Assistant Professor
Department: Education
Building: Benziger
Room: 14
Phone: (914) 323-5143
Email: saranr@mville.edu
Degrees:
Ph.D. Urban Education/Math Science and Technology
M.A. Elementary school Mathematics Education
B.A. Elementary Education
B.A. Political Science and Sociology
My research follows a hermeneutics/phenomenological critical ethnographic framework. I am interested in mathematics education, mathematics education of K-8 minority children in urban schools, the role of context in school performance, and understanding the math/science achievement of Asian Indian students.
My research interests focus on immigration and minority performance in New York City Schools; mathematics achievement and stereotyping of minority children; testing movement and minority performance, and the reconceptualization of multiculturalism for improving the quality of education for minority children. My interests also include equity and poverty issues in mathematics education in urban schools; how cultural, social, and symbolic capital, class, and socio-cultural dynamics influence math and science learning and the achievement of Asian children.
I am also involved in a longitudinal study that focuses on mathematics achievement in African American children. The key question is how equity and poverty mediates the mathematics learning of African American students in urban elementary schools in New York City.
I am also exploring the schooling and achievement of Asian Indian students in the context of math and science learning in urban schools. Throughout this study I analyze how Asian Indian students' academic achievement and learning are a conversion of their cultural and social capital and how they use their agency to expand or impede their academic achievement and life success. In this research I examine factors that play a vital role in the school success of Asian Indian students in American Schools. I would not hesitate to admit that this research grew out of my life experiences as a model minority individual. In this study, by listening to the stories of second-generation and 1.5 Asian Indian youth, I argue that the model minority is a myth and it might not hold in the future as the parental inspiration and involvement would be weakened by the Americanization process and conflicting identities.
Office Hours
Tuesday 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 - 3:30 pm