Abstract
Statement of Problem: The problem with literature is access to high quality multicultural literature is not equitable. Yet, quality literature is one of the best predictors for a child’s success in our literate society as it correlates with a child's academic success. The majority of our nation’s population is diverse in gender, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, and physical or mental ability; however, our classrooms libraries and curriculum fail to notice this diversity. Often, students of these under-represented communities feel isolated and unmotivated to connect, leading to increase at risk behaviors. In order to meet this need, educators need to incorporate relevant and authentic high quality multicultural literature to help bring visibility to all students. In addition, educators need to evaluate all literature before exposing their students to ensure they are selecting quality and are not negatively impacting students. Educators need guidance to ensure they are selecting QUALITY multicultural literature for their students and currently that need was not available.
Sources of Data: In order to answer the research questions, the researchers examined current scholarly literature to determine the best criteria to adequately evaluate quality multicultural literature which spurred the creation of the Multicultural Literature Evaluation Tool (MLET). Then they selected 30 texts to validate the criteria of the MLET. Additionally, all 30 texts would undergo evaluations from three different readers to determine two things. First, to analyze if each text using the devised tool should be recommended for classroom use based on its quality; Secondly, to test the validity of the MLET based on consistency of the readers results across all 30 texts.
Conclusions Reached: Findings reveal the recommended criteria for K-12 educators to evaluate quality multicultural literature for the classroom. Additionally, the project includes recommendations of quality multicultural literature for primer, elementary, middle, and high school students.