
Equity & Language
September/October 2020
On the topic of Equity
Addressing Equity for students learning English
As we begin the new school year, Equity for all students is one topic that many educators want to address. In this newsletter, we present topics that address how Equity might be considered in our work with students who are culturally and linguistically diverse from the majority of students in our schools.
We introduce these topics and resources, knowing that the information provided here is not limitless. Both our learning and new ways to improve supports and access to students is constantly evolving as we learn how to engage in new learning, reflect, and possibly revise our thinking.
You may access personal letters from Heartland AEA's ESL/Diversity consultants below to read their personal perspectives on how equity relates to our work with students learning English.
Webinars: Supporting Students Learning English through Distance Learning
Nappy graphics website
I just found out about this graphic-source website, but as a white person, the word "nappy" set off alarm bells for me. I wasn't sure this is a respectful term, and I certainly wasn't sure I should promote a website using this name.
Then I went to the site and read their "Why" - "to provide beautiful, high-res photos of black and brown people to startups, brands, agencies, and everyone else. Nappy makes it easy for companies to be purposeful about representation in their designs, presentations, and advertisements."
And then at the end of their page on "Why" they said this - "Share this with everyone (photographers and non-photographers) you know and let’s tackle diversity and representation one photo at a time."
And I am all about promoting equitable representation in all our websites, newsletters, slide decks; in every place and situation of learning, I want to do my part to promote equitable and positive representation of people of color. I hope you find that this inspired website with free graphics supports your work on equitable representation in your work!
Calendar of Observances 20-21
Calendar of Observances from ADL
2020 -2021
The increasingly pluralistic population of the United States is made up of many different ethnic, cultural, faith and religious communities. To enhance mutual understanding among groups and promote inclusive communities, the Anti-Defemation League (ADL) has created an Observances Calendar to increase awareness of and respect for religious obligations and ethnic and cultural festivities that may affect students, colleagues and neighbors in your community. For more information about ADL's work, click on the link in this paragraph to be directed to their current newsletter.
ADL Calendar of Observances 2020
ADL Calendar of Observances 2021
"candles" by rogerglenn is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Equitable Access to AP Courses
While this video does not provide all the answers on how to guarantee equity for our students learning English, it does highlight the rationale of why we need to strive to provide equitable learning opportunities for our students as they acquire their academic English language.
NEAPrioritySchools, (2012, January 12). English Language Learners: Culture, Equity and Language. [Video File] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HU80AxmP-U
Books that Promote Anti-Racism, Equity, and Social Justice
Please note that the author of this SMORE has not read all books listed in this newsletter. It is recommended that educators thoroughly read all books that might potentially be used with students in our schools.
Books for Elementary Students
The BLM movement is inspiring a boom in diverse children's literature
Anti-Racist Books for Elementary Students: a Diverse Book List
12 Books to Help Kids Understand Race, Anti-racism and Protests
20 Picture Books for 2020: Readings to Embrace Race, Provide Solace, & Do Good.
"Foothills Elementary - Library" by s_mestdagh is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Natural Edge Media Ltd, (2017, September 13). Hats of Faith. [Video File] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/_J5GSa4fxdA
Books for Secondary Students
Middle School Chapter Books
- A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa More Remee
- **New Kid by Jerry Craft
- The Power Book: Who Has It, What Is It, and Why? by Claire Saunders
- This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
- Young Adult Books
- I Am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina
- On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
- **Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
- The Day Tajon Got Shot by the Teen Writers of Beacon House
- **The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
"Library Reading Lounge" by Jeremy Levine Design is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Click the Heartland Library SMORE button above to find more literary resources on multicultural and social justice topics.