Diversifying Literature

We are excited to support the New Bedford High School English Language Arts department in their commitment to antiracist teaching. A Betty Allen-MASCD Anti-Racist Mini-Grant was
awarded to three teachers in the department: Caroline Hill, Kristen Liming, and Cody Marx. It
was particularly appealing to us that three teachers requested funding because we know how
critical a shared commitment among faculty is for deepening antiracist teaching. The grantees spoke to the importance of diversifying the literature in their courses so that students of color see themselves represented in the books they read, and white students get the opportunity to engage in perspectives and experiences different from their own. The grant will be used to purchase physical copies of Jason Reynolds’ powerful, award-winning novel in verse, Long Way Down. The teachers noted that the book provides the opportunity to discuss racial injustices in our criminal justice system. The unit on Long Way Down will be taught for the first time this year at New Bedford High School. We look forward to hearing from Caroline, Kristen and Cody at the end of the year about their students’ experiences reading the book, and discussing the many issues and ideas it raises.

What literature have you adopted in your classroom/district to broaden representation for students of color and build perspectives for white students (windows & mirrors)?