Diversity and Social Equity

Beyond Cool Garb

T-shirt literacy and social justice education for diverse adolescent learners. Graphic T-shirts have always had a special place in my life. One of my favorite pieces of clothing in my closet is an old “Schoolhouse Rock!” T-shirt. The shirt features the old PBS television show’s classic logo along with some of the show’s memorable characters,

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LGBT Literature in the Classroom

Future teachers encourage integrating LGBT texts. Early adolescence has been identified as a time of great change and transition. Visible physical changes occur at disparate rates and cause many young adolescents to feel uncomfortable about their differences. Young adolescents are also exploring self and social boundaries. For gay and lesbian youth, suicide is one of

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Effective Instructional Practices for Diverse Learners

Using popular culture resources to engage learners. Middle level teachers can make learning engaging by using popular culture texts. When faced with the challenge of engaging students, many teachers often struggle to create relevant learning experiences while also meeting the needs of each learner. Four teachers at an Atlanta area school learned to integrate various

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World Language Education: Supporting This We Believe

World languages are an important component of effective middle level education. Helping young adolescents become fully functioning, self-actualized persons who are prepared for college, career, and the world, means giving them multiple opportunities to collaborate within and beyond the classroom and connect ideas across disciplines through problem solving and critical thinking. One way to reach

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Engineering Brighter Futures

An after-school program that heightens students’ curiosity about STEM and makes learning fun Every day after school, in the 9 Dots Community Learning Center (named for the 3×3 puzzle that challenges one to think outside the box) in Los Angeles, underserved middle school and elementary students are defining their own futures. 9 Dots’ free program

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