#curriculum-diversity

Diversify an ELA curriculum with culturally responsive texts. Audit Current Curriculum: Analyze current book list for author diversity, character representation, and cultural perspectives. Goal: ensure texts serve as 'windows' (seeing into others' experiences) and 'mirrors' (reflecting students' own identities). Selection Criteria: 1. Authenticity: written by authors from the culture being represented. 2. Complexity: avoids stereotypes and presents nuanced characters. 3. Relevance: connects to students' lives and contemporary issues. Example additions: replace a classic with a contemporary work by a BIPOC author (e.g., 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas, 'There There' by Tommy Orange). Pairings: pair a canonical text with a counter-narrative (e.g., 'The Great Gatsby' with 'Passing'). Involve students in the selection process.