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.

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

When students don’t see themselves in the stories they read, engagement and comprehension suffer. Dr. Lakeisha Johnson discusses strategies for selecting and using diverse books to strengthen reading comprehension for all 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.

African American English has deep historical roots and a rich linguistic system. This piece traces its origins, showing how understanding AAE’s history empowers educators to honor students’ language and challenge their misconceptions.

The origins of reading problems for many children can be seen in their early spoken language development, and that has really important implications for how to deal with children who are struggling. Dr. Mark Seidenberg examines how early language experiences, dialect differences, and learning mechanisms shape reading development and highlights why a broad definition of the science of reading is essential for addressing inequitable outcomes.