In today’s classrooms, educators are inundated with an overwhelming number of resources—from outdated materials passed down through generations to the latest programs endorsed by districts. How can we ensure these resources align with our students’ needs, promote access, and ultimately drive their learning?
This two-day session will provide practical, actionable strategies for evaluating resources that center students’ experiences and perspectives, focusing on increasing achievement in literacy and strengthening students’ confidence and agency. We’ll discuss how to weave varied perspectives and students’ lived experiences into your daily instruction. The goal is to create an environment where resources don’t dictate the learning experience but support and empower it.
Throughout these two days, we will:
- Identify key strategies for selecting resources that align with both student needs and instructional goals, with a focus on promoting literacy development, honoring the perspective and experiences of every learner, and strengthening students’ confidence in their abilities.
- Explore how to use resources to create accessible learning spaces that welcome multiple perspectives and experiences, ensuring all students have access to the tools they need for success.
- Discuss how to assess whether a resource is truly working for your students and how to adjust your approach to ensure maximum impact on literacy achievement, student confidence, and agency.
- Learn how to leverage one of the most valuable resources available—your colleagues—to ensure the tools you’re using are effective and meaningful.
By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a clear path for making informed decisions about the resources that will best serve your students. Rather than passively using a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum, you’ll be equipped to actively choose tools and practices that place your students at the center of their learning journey, driving increased literacy achievement, strengthening their confidence, and fostering a sense of agency in their educational experience.
