Literacy my way: A handbook for teachers to effectively promote inclusivity and motivate reading skills in African American students

Statement of Problem The number of African American students that are considered low in literacy skills are rising each year. With numbers increasing, teachers need to provide literacy instruction that not only teaches students basic literacy skills but also reaches students on a cultural level. African American students come in year after year learning about experiences that they cannot relate to or topics without any African American examples such as characters in books, scientist, even teachers. In order to improve literacy for African American students, we must be willing to reach them beyond music and sports. Teachers must be willing to have uncomfortable conversations in class to allow African American students to know their history, purpose, and presence is valued in their classrooms to allow maximum comfort which will lead to learning. The purpose of this project is to synthesize the current research on African American literacy, motivation to read, teacher support, culturally responsive teaching to provide teachers with a literacy handbook. This handbook will assist teachers when working with students on literacy and assist teachers who may be struggling with implementing uncomfortable conversations in class.

Sources of Data The sources of the data include research that formed the foundation of this handbook and its components. The research consisted of mostly peer-reviewed articles related to African American socio-economic statuses, motivation to read, multicultural education, teacher preparation and bias, and culturally responsive teaching.

Conclusions Reached Following examination of the research, the author has concluded that with exposure to quality early childhood education (ECE), strong literary instruction in primary grade levels, and implementation of culturally responsive teaching, African American literacy level can be on the rise. This handbook is a resource that can help assist in allowing African American students to be introduced to a new form of learning in their classrooms. Teachers are filled with task to complete; this handbook can be used whenever the time they have permits or alongside their already in place curriculums.