Spring 2021      Volume 49, Number 2


Family Engagement in Literacy: Starting the Journey Toward Cultural Competence
By Natalie Young, Guest Author

Document: Column

Introductory Paragraph:  When we approach the start of a new year, we reflect on the year we leave behind. I’m sure most of us were more than ready to leave 2020 behind and begin looking toward a more hopeful future. As we reflect on the past year and recognize the lasting effects of the pandemic, as educators, we must also realize the detrimental effect COVID-19 has had on people of color in the United States.  In her last column, Laurie mentioned that addressing equity in education is an ongoing commitment that we must purposefully pursue and continue as teachers (Elish-Piper, 2020). In 2020, the need for commitment to equity became increasingly pushed to the point where many who wished to ignore the existence of systemic racism and other biased practices could no longer avoid this reality. Therefore, this column focuses on the importance of examining ourselves and our classrooms to promote a sense of belonging and acceptance for all students and their families.

DOI:    https://doi.org/10.33600/IRCJ.49.2.2021.39

Page Numbers:   39-44

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