Equitable Literacy Instruction for Students in Poverty

Book excerpt: Differences in performance between students living in poverty and more advantaged students are reflective of an opportunity gap, as opposed to a gap in student ability. This book argues that significant attention must be given to eliminating the barriers that produce educational inequities in student achievement. Walker-Dalhouse and Risko focus on disparities in literacy achievement that might be attributed to color-blind practices, deficit mindsets, low expectations, or context-neutral practices. Situating literacy learning within a comprehensive view of literacy development, they provide a set of instructional practices that will best support students living in poverty. Specifically, vignettes from kindergarten through middle school classrooms are used to demonstrate practices that address critical areas of the reading process; are responsive to students' racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, and linguistic histories and assets; attend to students' strengths and needs; and go beyond short-term gains on high-stakes tests to support optimal and sustainable learning. Educators and school leaders can use this resource to transform schools into nurturing and vibrant communities that are committed to change, equity, and diversity. Book Features: Provides recommendations and detailed guidance for enacting literacy instruction that will close opportunity gaps for students living in poverty. Includes vignettes from leading literacy educators and researchers, including Elizabeth Baker, Susan Cantrell, Jill Lewis Spector, Allison Skerrett, and Kelly Wissman. Demonstrates high-quality literacy instruction implemented in K-8 classrooms. Presents instruction that is responsive to differences and honors the languages, literacies, and cultural resources that students bring to their learning. Offers specific recommendations and practices that can guide advocacy for change.