Overview:

What cultural norms and assumptions are embedded in the literature we use in our classrooms? How do we select texts that represent our students’ diversity and support them to engage in critical conversations about culture?

Culturally Responsive Literature Instruction is an online professional development program for K-12 teachers, literacy coaches, and principals. Drawing from the research of HGSE Professor Pamela Mason, the workshop explores the concept of “critical literacy” as a tool for examining the cultural assumptions embedded within literature. Participants will learn to take a critical stance when analyzing texts, discover resources for finding and integrating culturally sustaining literature in the classroom, and consider how to invite all students to engage in discussions of culture.

Program Details:

This two-week online workshop includes a mix of self-paced learning, group discussion, and job-embedded application. Activities include:

  • Video lectures from Professor Mason
  • Research summaries and assigned readings
  • Self-assessment and reflection prompts
  • Facilitated cohort discussions
  • Job-embedded practice where you will apply the concepts and techniques learned

A core part of the HGSE experience is cohort learning, and this curriculum is designed to create a community of practice for participants to learn with and from each other.

The online workshop will require a total of 5-7 hours of work. Participants who complete all individual assessments and contribute to group discussions will receive a certificate indicating completion of five clock hours of instruction.

Objectives:

  • Understand how language is used to portray culture
  • Identify what cultural assumptions are embedded in children’s literature
  • Build space to include student discussion of culture in literacy instruction

Who Should Participate:

  • Teachers
  • Reading specialists
  • Literacy and instructional coaches
  • School administrators
  • Principals and school leaders

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