Overview

Differences in performance between students of 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 the impact of short-term testing 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 that demonstrate 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.

Full Product Details

9780807786437

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Doris Walker-Dalhouse is a professor of literacy at Marquette University, professor emerita at Minnesota State University Moorhead, past president of the Literacy Research Association, and member of the Reading Hall of Fame. Victoria J. Risko is professor emerita at Vanderbilt University, past president of the International Literacy Association, and member of the Reading Hall of Fame. They are coauthors of Be That Teacher! Breaking the Cycle for Struggling Readers.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available