Honoring Black Language: A Path to Inclusive and Effective Structured Literacy

Presenters:

• Dr. Jasmine Rogers, Adjunct Professor, School of Education, American University
• Maya Goodall, Chief Strategy Officer, CORE Learning

Moderator:

• Kristie Shelley, Chief Product Officer, CORE Learning

Too often, Black Language is treated as something to “correct” rather than recognized as a legitimate language system with its own rules, grammar, and structure. This mindset reflects deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes that not only undermine students’ linguistic heritage but also limit the effectiveness of structured literacy by overlooking the linguistic strengths Black Language-speaking students bring to their learning.

In this third session of CORE Learning’s Structured Literacy and Language Diversity Week: Fall ‘24 Series, Dr. Jasmine Rogers — a leading expert on Black Language and the Science of Reading — explains how even a few hours of instruction on Black English can help teachers recognize unconscious bias and enhance structured literacy instruction. Drawing from her classroom experience and research, she challenges the outdated belief that Black English hinders academic success and demonstrates how affirming it as an asset enables students to build on their knowledge, boosting literacy skills and confidence.

By viewing this edWebinar, you gain evidence-based instructional practices that empower you to:

• Reflect on and adjust your beliefs and attitudes toward Black Language
• Support Black Language-speaking students by leveraging their linguistic strengths
• Address unconscious bias to foster a more inclusive classroom environment
• Make your literacy instruction more reflective of students’ lived experiences

Learn how even small shifts in your beliefs, attitudes, and literacy approach can lead to meaningful improvements.

Please fill out the form below to access the webinar.