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    Literacy and Racial Justice: An Invitation to Our Youth & Their Teachers

    By Jevon D. Hunter and Patricia A. Edwards
     | Jan 23, 2024
    QuickEverydayWriting_680w

    In the vast landscape of youth expression, there are moments that stand out for their candidness, boldness, and sharp astuteness, reflecting an unflinching instance of truth-tellin’.

    One such occurrence comes from the journal entry of King Johnson, a second-grade African American student from Chicago, IL. Dated January 22, 2018, King used his entry not only to share how official school curriculum can be meaninglessly disconnected from ones’ lived reality, but also to serve as a courageous act by challenging racially inaccurate historical narratives passing as doctrine. 

    Today was not a good learning day. blah blah blah i only wanted to hear you not talking. You said something wrong and i can’t listen when i hear lies. My mom said that the only christofer we actnokledje is Wallace. Because Columbus didn’t find our country the Indians did. I like to have columbus day off but I want you to not teach me lies. That is all. My question for the day is how can white people teach black history? King Johnson

    In response to King’s journal entry, his teacher wrote, “King, I am very disappointed in your journal today.”

    To which King replied, “ok.”

    In just seven sentences, King communicates a multifaceted critique. He questions the veracity of the information presented, asserts his community's knowledge on history, affirms his community cultural wealth, and challenges the authority of who is allowed to deliver content.

    On its own, King's writing resists what scholars call curriculum violence—the deliberate manipulation of academic programming that compromises learners' intellectual and psychological well-being.

    Leveraging literacy against racial injustice

    King's act of truth-tellin' is a testament to the transformative potential of literacy, extending beyond the realms of the classroom and the school building. We see his expressive act as a means of survival for his intellectual, psychological, and spiritual well-being. His claim of learning disappointment and desire for more accurate historical information reflects a genuine curiosity to understand the world around him.

    For literacy educators, these moments offer us thought-provoking opportunities to reconsider learning, teaching, curriculum, identity, and the important role of youth expression. King is not the only youth who sits in classrooms yearning for more authentic forms of learning engagement. How we respond to expressions such as his determines whether our classrooms strip individuals of their humanity, dignity, and sense of belonging.

    Offering students safe spaces for expression, such as journals, affords classroom teachers the chance to cultivate intellectual risk-taking and foster emerging understandings where diverse perspectives and voices are seen, heard, felt, and dignified. It is in these spaces that teachers can promote brave critical thinking, support multi-narrative cultural awareness, and nurture a sense of individual and collective agency among our students.

    Buttressed by King’s words, literacy educators should be fearless regarding our practice as stewards of literacy learning by reflecting upon a set of related compelling questions: 

    • When and where do we encourage young learners to write about race and racial injustice on their terms?
    • How can literacy learning environments foster bravery and empower students to engage in their own truth-tellin’ by addressing witnessed or experienced forms of oppression?
    • How do we create and hold space that invites youth to draw from their experiences and ideas to collaborate in redressing racial inequity for more just communities?

    Our invitation to write toward justice

    As part of a groundbreaking collaboration between the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA), K–12 teachers worldwide are invited to participate in a unique writing project that encourages youth to share their experiences, insights, and expertise on racial injustices and strategies for redress by responding to some carefully crafted prompts.

    School-based educators are invited to submit student responses to these prompts by February 16, 2024, for potential inclusion in a session at the 2024 AERA conference, to be held in Philadelphia, PA, this April.

    Prompts for students ages 5–11

    Prompts for students 12+ 

    The goal of the project is to center the thoughts and voices of young people, showcasing the ways in which racial inequity and other intersectional forms of oppression operate in their lived realities, while also illuminating the courageous and creative ways youth imagine and participate in acts to promote a more just world.

    This collaborative effort seeks to leverage the combined educational resources of ILA and AERA to champion the empowerment of youth by providing them with a platform to speak their truth and contribute to conversations about racial justice.

    By amplifying their perspectives and voices, we aim to support a generation that is unafraid to tackle systemic issues they have inherited but refuse to perpetuate. This endeavor is a special occasion for our young people to further become agents of change, using their literacy skills to navigate and reshape the world around them.

    We are confident that this writing project has the potential to be a life-changing experience, shaping perspectives, fostering empathy, and contributing to a more equitable and just society. Let us collectively, as youth and literacy educators, embark on this journey, where literacy works as a verb becoming a tool for liberation and social transformation.

    Together, our impact can be lasting, one truth-tellin’ writing entry at a time.

     

    Jevon D. Hunter is the Woods-Beals Endowed Chair for Urban Education and interim associate dean for the School of Education at SUNY Buffalo State.

    Patricia A. Edwards, a past president of the International Reading Association (now International Literacy Association), is a professor of language and literacy in the Teacher Education Department at Michigan State University.



    Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in blog posts on this website are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ILA. We have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in blog posts but do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of such information.

    In the vast landscape of youth expression, there are moments that stand out for their candidness, boldness, and sharp astuteness, reflecting an unflinching instance of truth-tellin’. One such occurrence comes from the journal entry of King...Read More
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    In Memoriam: Remembering Patricia S. Koppman

    ILA Staff
     | Nov 20, 2023

    Koppman_680Patricia S. Koppman, a distinguished educator who left her mark on the San Diego State University community and the literacy community at large, died on November 9. She was 88.

    Koppman served as the 1988–1989 president of the International Reading Association (IRA), now the International Literacy Association. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, reading specialist, and principal before teaching at San Diego State College—which would soon become San Diego State University.

    A prolific author and editor, Patricia's contributions to the field included books such as School Grammar Made Easy and Word to Learn and Review: Activities to Build Reading Skills, as well as multiple teacher guides and student early reader books.

    Her commitment to literacy education was recognized through the numerous awards she received throughout her career. In 1991, she was honored with the Special Service Award from IRA for her years of service to the organization, which extended beyond the presidency. She also actively participated in IRA's Parents and Reading Committee, showcasing her dedication to advocating for family involvement in reading education—one of the areas of research she was most known for. She was recognized as a fierce advocate for listening to children and forming meaningful connections with parents to help them understand the role they could play at home in their child’s reading education.

    In 1987, Patricia was honored with the SDSU Alumni Award of Distinction, recognizing her outstanding service and significant contributions to San Diego State University, where until recent years she was highly involved in the university’s retirement association.

    Patricia leaves behind an indelible legacy as a leader, teacher, author, and advocate who devoted her life to the pursuit of knowledge.

    Patricia S. Koppman, a distinguished educator who left her mark on the San Diego State University community and the literacy community at large, died on November 9. She was 88. Koppman served as the 1988–1989 president of the International Reading...Read More
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    Advancing Literacy: My Journey on ILA’s Board of Directors

    By Kenneth Kunz
     | Nov 15, 2023
    Kunz at Little Free Library

    In an educational landscape teeming with opportunities to make a difference, some moments stand out as truly transformative. That moment for me was when I received the invitation to join the Board of Directors for ILA. This opportunity filled me with both excitement and a sense of joy, as I knew that the work of this organization was dedicated to changing lives through advancing literacy.

    This is a reflection of my journey, which I believe is a testament to the enduring impact of literacy and the tireless efforts of those who commit themselves to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to unlock the world through the pages of a book. I want to share my experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from my service on the ILA Board of Directors in the hope that new and longtime members alike might be inspired to serve and lead.

    The Board’s role in ILA

    The board plays a pivotal role in guiding ILA’s mission and initiatives. What does this look like behind the scenes? Members and affiliates of our network should know that the board is

    • Composed of passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds (elected by you!) helping to guide the organization. ILA Board members serve on a voluntary basis. We do this work because we are passionate about it.
    • A collective voice. Reflecting back now on six years of Board service (transitioning from a three-year term as a member-at-large to the three-year officer cycle: vice president to president to immediate past president, my current role), I am proud of how Board and staff have worked to position ILA for a stronger future.
    • Engaged in collaborative service. This high level of collaboration has led to the latest strategic planning, fundraising, and program development. It is also a great way to network and leverage your connections in meaningful ways.
    • Always meeting regularly. Through monthly meetings (weekly at the leadership level) and committee work, we set the vision and direction of ILA, ensuring that our programs reach those who need them the most.
    • Prioritizing fiscal responsibility. We do all this with an eye on fiscal responsibility during these ever-changing and often economically challenging times.

    With a shared commitment to improving literacy and access to education, the Board works tirelessly to make informed decisions that empower our communities, support educators and, most important, provide individuals of all ages the opportunity to unlock their potential through literacy.

    How the Board guides ILA

    The Board's guidance is the compass that steers the organization toward a brighter future. Through strategic planning and thoughtful deliberation, we chart the course for ILA, setting clear goals and priorities.

    We review and approve budgets, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to fulfill our mission.

    By leveraging our collective expertise, we stay attuned to emerging trends and educational needs, adapting our programs and strategies to remain effective and relevant.

    This collaborative decision-making process not only safeguards ILA’s sustainability but also fosters an environment where innovation and creativity flourish, enabling us to make a lasting impact in the realm of education and literacy.

    Most important, we listen to our global network of members and serve as elected representatives of the membership at large. We love our members, and your opinions matter!

    The benefits of Board service

    By now, you may be wondering what the benefits of serving ILA are, given the responsibilities. First and foremost, serving on the Board of a leading global literacy organization is a rewarding endeavor that brings about numerous personal and professional benefits, such as the opportunity to

    • Contribute your expertise. Whether you are a teacher-educator, administrator, classroom teacher, or education advocate, you have opportunities to play a pivotal role in shaping and carrying out ILA’s mission and initiatives. The use of your knowledge further increases your expertise.
    • Network. As I look back on my six years of service, I cannot express enough gratitude in words about the quality connections I have made. Many of you in the ILA community have become personal friends. ILA’s member survey shows members value networking as a top priority, and leadership roles like Board service are some of the best opportunities available to network far and wide.
    • Become a more skillful leader. In addition to learning more about literacy, Board members also gain experience in areas such as leadership, governance, strategic planning, fundraising, and financial oversight. The experience of serving on the ILA Board can also lead to personal growth and understanding; Board members are challenged to think critically, manage conflicts, and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
    • Become a respected leader. ILA’s Board members are often recognized and respected in their school communities for their commitment to a worthwhile mission and access to reputable research-to-practice resources.

    I would like to give a special thank-you to the hardworking ILA Board (both past and present), ILA staff (dedicated and multitalented in so many ways), and members near and far (the heartbeat of our organization). Thank you for trusting me with leading ILA over these last few years.

    For those of you contemplating service: You already have what it takes when it comes to the determination and passion for making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of others. Are you ready to trailblaze as an ILA leader?

    Find out more about the official duties of the ILA Board or submit a nomination—for a colleague or yourself. The deadline for nominations for the 2024 elections is December 21, 2023.

    Kenneth Kunz is the immediate past president of ILA.



    Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in blog posts on this website are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ILA. We have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in blog posts but do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of such information.

    In an educational landscape teeming with opportunities to make a difference, some moments stand out as truly transformative. That moment for me was when I received the invitation to join the Board of Directors for ILA. This opportunity filled me...Read More
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    ILA Chapter Spotlight: Illinois Reading Council

    ILA Staff
     | Nov 13, 2023
    LT412_Illinois 2_1080

    Illinois Reading Council
    Established: 1968
    illinoisreadingcouncil.org

    What they do

    Our mission is to provide support and leadership to all who promote and teach lifelong literacy.

    Why they do it

    The Illinois Reading Council (IRC) advocates for high-quality literacy opportunities that empower all learners. As a leading literacy organization, IRC provides access to research, materials, and methodologies to teach literacy and promote lifelong learning. As an active, well-organized system of local and special interest councils and state committees, the IRC provides a supportive network for grassroots involvement and the exchange of information for a diverse membership. Our purposes established by the IRC Board of Directors are

    • To improve the quality of reading instruction at all levels
    • provide a local and statewide network of teachers and administrators associated with literacy issue
    • To support the activities of the local reading councils and provide a concentrated focus about literacy issues
    • To sponsor conferences and meetings to implement the purposes of the council
    • To stimulate and promote literacy research
    • To disseminate knowledge helpful in the solution of problems related to reading
    • To recognize and honor outstanding educators, authors, journalists, and others for significant contributions to reading and language arts
    LT412_Illinois 1_680w
    Volunteers and preservice teachers at the annual conference

    Who can join

    IRC encourages all educators, librarians, administrators, parents, and others who would like to promote reading and literacy for all ages to join our organization.

    How to join

    Visit the website at illinoisreadingcouncil.org. IRC members have opportunities to attend the annual IRC conference each year as well as many of the local council events being held throughout Illinois. Membership also comes with online access to webinars, book clubs, the IRC Journal, and much more.

    Ways to get involved

    IRC encourages members to become more involved in their local or special interest councils and/or through one of the many statewide IRC committees. Afterward, IRC hopes members might consider taking a more active role in IRC as one of our literacy leaders. IRC also encourages all Illinois citizens to get involved by becoming an Illinois Reads Ambassador. Illinois Reads Ambassadors can share our bookmarks and posters, plan a Family Reading Night, and/or attend an Illinois Reads Book Festival or other events.

    Highlights from recent events

    • 2023 IRC Conference: The 54th IRC Conference, “Revolution: A Change is Gonna Come,” was held in March in Springfield. IRC was delighted to have an outstanding lineup of featured speakers and authors who joined us. It was a phenomenal time for educators to learn new pedagogies and practices.
    • 2023 IRC Leadership Retreat: In July, council leaders from all over Illinois met in Normal, IL for the 2023 IRC Leadership Retreat. It was an energizing event where our council leaders engaged in rich conversations. It helped remind us why we are members of the Illinois Reading Council.
    • Illinois Reads Program at the 2023 Illinois State Fair: IRC was excited to share the Illinois Reads Program in the tent of the Illinois Secretary of State and Honorary Illinois Reads Chair Alexi Giannoulias at the 2023 Illinois State Fair in Springfield. When visiting the fair, Illinois citizens were able to attend story times, meet and greets with Illinois Reads authors, photo opportunities, and much more. IRC was also excited to share more than 700 free autographed Illinois Reads books with children at the fair.

     

     

    Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in blog posts on this website are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ILA. We have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in blog posts but do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of such information.

    Illinois Reading Council Established: 1968 illinoisreadingcouncil.org What they do Our mission is to provide support and leadership to all who promote and teach lifelong literacy. Why they do it The Illinois Reading Council (IRC) advocates for...Read More
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    ILA Member Spotlight: Emy Tomita

    By ILA Staff
     | Oct 02, 2023

    LT412_Tomita 1Emy Tomita  

    District Bilingual Literacy Coach, Aldine Independent School District, Houston, TX

    How did you begin your career, and what led you to your current position?

    I began my teaching career as a fourth-grade bilingual teacher in the suburbs of Houston. I taught language arts and social studies within different bilingual program models (transitional, one-way, and two-way dual language) for eight years. Then I moved to the middle school level and worked as a librarian and language arts special education teacher before I accepted a position as a bilingual literacy coach.

    What is the biggest challenge in your current role?

    My biggest challenge in my current role is to work with classroom teachers to de-implement ineffective literacy practices, but also continue building teachers’ capacity on how to teach literacy through a content-based curriculum.

    What are you reading (personal or professional)?

    I am reading many Reading Teacher articles related to multilingual learners, dual language education, and the science of reading. The last article that I read was “The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading” by Nell K. Duke and Kelly B. Cartwright. I am also listening to the book Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear during my commute to work. Lastly, I am reading Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta Hammond with other literacy coaches in my school district.

    How long have you been a member of ILA, and how has membership influenced your career?

    I had been an ILA member on and off for several years when I was a classroom teacher. This last time, I have been a member since 2021 because having the membership allowed me to have access to all the literacy research articles and best teaching practices that make a positive impact in my career.

    What do you consider to be your proudest career moment?

    My proudest career moment as a bilingual teacher was to present about the use of mentor texts to support emergent bilingual students’ writing development at the Texas Association of Bilingual Education conference. As a literacy coach, my proposal to present about implementing realia to make content-based curriculum accessible to multilingual learners was accepted in the National Association of Bilingual Education Conference. 

    What do you like to do when you’re not wearing your educator hat?

    When I am not wearing my educator hat, I like to travel to different places, read free-choice books, attend literacy conferences, attend literacy events with my daughter, and just be a learner.

    What advice would you give a new teacher that either you received or wish you had?

    Not to give up this profession in your first year of teaching because it is one of the hardest.

    What is a little-known fact about yourself?

    That I was born in Brazil and my grandparents on both sides, mother and father, are Japanese. So, I don’t look like a typical Brazilian. My first language is Portuguese. Brazil has the largest number of Japanese descendants out of Japan.

    What can literacy educators do to motivate kids to want to read?

    Literacy educators can help kids to learn what they like to read and allow them to read what they like to read in class. They create the habit of reading, and if teachers model to them how to think and talk about book with friends like in book clubs, this will motivate kids to be a reader for life.

    What do you believe is the biggest challenge in literacy education today?

    LT412_Tomita 2The increasing number of book bans because books are “mirrors and windows” for readers. Kids need to have access to all types of books so they can see themselves and feel the sense of belonging, but also, they need to access diverse books and different topics so they can accept others and learn from others who are different from them.

    When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?

    I knew I wanted to become a teacher when I was in sixth grade because I loved reading books and my language arts teacher.

    Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up, and why?

    My favorite teacher when I was growing up was Ms. Sylvia because she was knowledgeable, fair, and had high expectations.  

    Which professional development books have you found influential in your education?

    There are so many professional development books that I found influential in my education. In bilingual education, Biliteracy From the Start: Literacy Squared in Action by Kathy Escamilla, Susan Hopewell, Sandra Butvilofsky, Wendy Sparrow, Lucinda Soltero-Gonzalez, Olivia Ruiz-Figueroa, and Manuel Escamilla and Teaching for Biliteracy: Strengthening Bridges Between Languages by Karen Beeman and Cheryl Urow. In literacy, Jennifer Serravallo’s books taught me strategy ideas to become a better reading and writing teacher.

    What is the most important lesson you learned from a student?

    The value of perseverance and hard work, especially from undocumented students. Even though they face many adversities, their drive to succeed by learning a new language and their effort is admirable.

    What is your favorite book to give as a present/recommend to friends?

    My favorite book to give as present/recommend to friends is Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover because, in my opinion, this book shows the power of education and how it can transform a person’s life.

    What book hooked you as a reader for life?

    In my home country, a book series that hooked me as a reader for life is The Adventure of the Fat Boy’s Gang (As Aventuras da Turma do Gordo) by Joao Carlos Marinho because this book series kept me hooked months after months until I read the whole collection. Due to this series, I also started reading books in English when I came to the U.S.

    Which hosting city of an IRA/ILA annual conference did you most enjoy visiting and why, or what are some of your favorite moments from an IRA/ILA annual conference?

    The hosting city of the ILA annual conference that I enjoyed visiting the most was Boston because it was my first time attending this conference, and I remember how impressed I was with the quality of this conference. During this conference, I bought my first ILA shirt.

    What has changed the most in education since you first started in the field?

    What has changed the most in education since I started is the use of technology in schools, mostly due to the pandemic. While many schools had technology, I believe teachers and students were not so dependent on electronic devices before the pandemic.

    Want to spotlight an ILA member, chapter, affiliate, SIG, or AUA? Email literacytoday@reading.org for more information!

     




    Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in blog posts on this website are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ILA. We have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in blog posts but do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of such information.

     

    Emy Tomita   District Bilingual Literacy Coach, Aldine Independent School District, Houston, TX How did you begin your career, and what led you to your current position? I began my teaching career as a fourth-grade bilingual teacher in the suburbs...Read More
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