Acknowledging the perils of “best practices” in an indigenous community

This article seeks to raise readers' awareness of how research findings from large-scale scientific studies are often misapplied, with negative results, when generalized and applied in communities with unique features, contours and needs. Conducted in collaboration with Diné educators, this qualitative study brought forth three cases, each pointing toward specific levels at which the misapplication of educational research findings in a Navajo community led to detrimental outcomes for learners. One of the three cases is discussed in detail. Adaptation to local and cultural contexts should be a primary consideration when applying research-based innovations and “best practices.”