Videos: Webinars

One of my 1st graders, who has significant learning needs, struggles to tell apart short 'e' and short 'i'. I’ve been focusing on this with him, but he still mixes them up. What can I do?

Understanding African American English as a systematic, rule-governed dialect helps educators distinguish true reading challenges from dialectal differences. This knowledge advances equity, accuracy in assessment, and stronger literacy instruction for all learners.

Language is identity, and for many African American students, that identity includes the distinct rhythms and cadences of African American English (AAE). By recognizing and affirming students’ home language varieties, educators can design more culturally and linguistically responsive lessons.

Many African American children enter school speaking a rich, rule-governed language system that is often misunderstood or undervalued. Carla Burrell Stanford and Logan McWilliams explain how understanding African American English (AAE) as an asset can guide instructional decisions and support skilled reading.

Reading and writing are reciprocal processes that rely on shared language and cognitive skills. Nancy Hennessy explores how explicit writing instruction enhances comprehension, offering frameworks and classroom strategies that connect reading and composition for deeper understanding.

Older, struggling learners need targeted literacy support that goes beyond foundational skills. Dr. Mitchell Brookins examines how secondary educators can strengthen Tier 1 instruction by addressing fluency, academic vocabulary, syntax, and text organization to build students’ knowledge and confidence.

Reading comprehension depends on complex cognitive and linguistic processes that go beyond decoding. Dr. Amy Elleman explores how vocabulary, inference-making, and knowledge-building work together to strengthen instruction and intervention.

This article highlights effective classroom practices that honor speakers of African American English. Culturally responsive instruction can improve outcomes and build confident, skilled learners.

Accurate assessment requires cultural and linguistic awareness. This article explores how to analyze reading probes for students who speak African American English, honoring dialectal differences and making instructional decisions that promote equity.

Every student brings a unique language background to school. With insights from Dr. Julie Washington and others, this piece explores the difference between language, accent, and dialect and offers suggestions for how to honor and affirm the way students speak.