Equity-Focused Literacy

“Equity pedagogy requires educators to hold a critical consciousness to cultivate classroom environments and implement teacher practices that affirms students’ humanity, sustains their joy, and cultivates their brilliance, especially those who have been harmed in school and society” (Southeastern Michigan Equity Coalition, 2020). The purpose of this series is to deepen Wayne County educators’ understanding of equity pedagogy and by extension the interconnectedness of literacy and equity.

Understanding that transformative literacy practices transcend time, space, and academic discipline is a necessary tool for restoring equity and excellence in today’s classrooms. This equity-focused series is designed to support PK-12 science, mathematics, language arts, and social studies teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders to cultivate the genius of children consistently and holistically.

In this foundational session, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad defines culture, equity, anti-racism, and culturally & historically responsive education. Together, culture will be explored and revisited in deep, multifaceted ways. Be introduced to the model of culturally and historically responsive education. Learn the history of CHRE and the power of education among communities of color in the United States. Delve into leadership approaches to advance equity in schools and be introduced to a four-layered equity model for teaching and learning (1) identity, (2) skills, (3) intellectualism and (4) criticality.

• September 30, 2020 - 3:30 - 5:00pm
• Audience: District and building leaders
• Cost: Free for Wayne County Educators ($20 all others)

Join as Joe Feldman, author of the bestselling book Grading for Equity, discusses the research and tools necessary to tackle one of the most challenging and emotionally charged issues within today's schools. Discover the history of traditional grading, the urgency to make grading more equitable, an introduction to equitable grading and 1-2 practices, evidence of the impact of equitable grading, and grading during remote learning.

• October 15, 2020 - 4:00 - 6:00 PM
• Audience: K-12 educators
• Cost: $20

In this historic moment, literacy educators and administrators play an important role in helping build a nation rooted in racial and social justice. The literacy arts offer a unique entry point to discuss topics that impact society, schools, and our lives. Racial literacy in schools includes the ability to read, write about, discuss and interrupt situations and events that are motivated and upheld by racial inequity and bias. Sustaining racial literacy across the life span is possible by engaging in an "Archeology of the Self", a major component of a racial literacy development -- an action-oriented process requiring love, humility, reflection, an understanding of history, and a commitment to working against racial injustice. Join Dr. Yolanda Sealy-Ruiz for this inspiring session.

• October 22, 2020 - 4:30pm - 6:00pm
• Cost: Free for Wayne County Educators ($10 all others)

Join this one hour webinar for a dive into the ideas behind Dr. Bryan Brown's most recent book, Science in the City. Dr. Brown's lecture will highlight why understanding both language and culture are critical to more effective science teaching. Dr. Brown will also share examples of how the disaggregate instructional model can better serve students marginalized by traditional STEM education.

• 10/29/20 4:30pm - 5:30pm
• Audience: K - 12 Educators
• Cost: Free

As educators, we know that each student brings with them a multitude of experiences that shape their identity. When we draw on these identities to engage in high-quality and equitable instruction, rich learning possibilities result. Join us for a 90 minute session with Dr. Julia Aguirre as she presents how we can rethink mathematics instructional practice to embrace an equity orientation that promotes a positive mathematics identity. The five equity-based practices that cultivate positive mathematics identities and experiences in mathematics classrooms are contingent upon strong relationships with students and their families. As students begin to see themselves as knowers and doers of mathematics, opportunities arise for students to analyze, reason and communicate ideas effectively as well as to recognize the connections between mathematics and the world around them. Please join us in this great opportunity to explore equitable practice in mathematics with Dr. Julia Aguirre!

• November 9, 2020 - 4:30-6:00pm
• Cost: Free

Join teacher-librarian Julia Torres, participants will examine the ways educators can support literacy development, improve engagement, and honor students’ racial and cultural identities. Through identifying the intersections between literacy instruction and librarianship, educators can learn to support readers working to develop their skills and help those with fluency learn to independently seek challenge. Participants will discuss culturally responsive frameworks for literacy instruction, supports for developing inclusive classroom and central libraries, as well as ways to support all students' literacy skills development. This workshop will include a basic introduction to the process of choosing inclusive texts, modifying existing curriculum, and working in collaboration with students to decolonize literacy instruction.

• November 12, 2020 - 4:00pm - 5:30pm
• Cost: Free

Wayne RESA: 33500 Van Born Road • Wayne, MI 48184

734.334.1300 • 734.334.1620 fax • www.resa.net

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Board of Education: James S. Beri • Mary E. Blackmon • Danielle Funderburg •

Lynda S. Jackson • James Petrie • Randy A. Liepa, Ph.D., Superintendent