Black English and Literacy: Teaching Reading Without Erasing Language

Presenters:

• Dr. Ramona Pittman, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University
  Dr. Jasmine Rogers, Adjunct Professor, School of Education, American University
  Dr. Dionna Latimer-Hearn, Speech Language Pathologist and Public Scholar, Northwestern University and REACT Initiative

Moderator: Dr. Altheria Caldera, The Reading League

Black English is a linguistically rich and rule-governed language, yet traditional reading instruction often overlooks or even works against it. How can educators teach reading in a way that builds strong literacy skills without disregarding the language students bring to the classroom?

This fourth edWebinar of the Structured Literacy for Every Learner Summit explores how Structured Literacy provides explicit instruction while affirming Black English as a legitimate and valuable language. Experts share evidence-based approaches to teaching foundational skills without treating Black English as a deficit. Viewers learn:

• How Black English and literacy development intersect
• What evidence says about teaching reading in ways that respect linguistic identity
• How to create affirming classrooms where Black English speakers feel valued and supported

K-12 educators and administrators will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to honor students’ language while helping them grow as confident readers.

Please fill out the form below to access the webinar.