Advocating for Literate Environments
Imagine that you have been asked to provide a conference presentation about advocating for literate
environments for an audience of reading/literacy specialists. Develop a 12-15 slide digital presentation that
includes speaker notes for each slide. The presentation should address each of the following:
Summarize the relationship between student motivation and engagement and how creating a literate environment
can positively affect both.
Explain two ways the reading/literacy specialist can assist in and advocate for creating diverse classroom and
school environments through culturally responsive literacy instruction. Include two examples of culturally
responsive literacy instruction in your preferred grade band (K-3, 4-8, 9-12).
Explain three strategies the reading/literacy specialist can use to advocate for equity at the school, district, and
community levels to promote literate environments.
Describe three strategies the reading/literacy specialist can use to advocate for positive climates that support a
literacy-rich learning environment
Sample Solution
Culturally responsive teaching, including how it applies to teaching reading, cannot be deduced to a single routine, program, or set of steps to follow. As the term implies, it should be based on the culture, language, and uniqueness of those you are teaching, “…shaped by the sociocultural characteristics of the setting in which it occurs, and the populations for whom it is designed” (Gay, 2013, p. 63.). the following suggestions for integrating culturally responsive teaching into literacy instruction are a starting point upon which educators can build: Set and Communicate High Expectations for Developing and Using Reading Skills – Set rigorous literacy learning objectives and provide all students with a consistent message that they are expected to attain high standards related to reading.
