Contents
LITERACY TODAY
Volume 37, Issue 2
September/October 2019
EDITORIAL STAFF
Managing Editor Colleen Patrice Clark
Editors Christina Lambert & Alina O’Donnell
ILA LEADERSHIP
Executive Director Marcie Craig Post
2019–2020 BOARD MEMBERS
Kathy N. Headley, Clemson University,
President; Stephen Peters, Laurens County
School District 55, Vice President; Bernadette
Dwyer, Dublin City University, Immediate
Past President; Juli-Anne Benjamin, Marion
P. Thomas Charter School; Kia Brown-
Dudley, The Education Partners; Wendy
Carss, University of Waikato; Rachael Gabriel,
University of Connecticut, Storrs; Beverley E.
Harris, Mico University College, University of
the West Indies; Kenneth Kunz, Monmouth
University; Susan Paasch, Sauk Rapids Public
School District; Julia Reynolds, Allendale Public
Schools; Laurie Sharp, Tarleton State University
ADVERTISING
For information, contact Megan Ferguson at
800.336.7323 x 417 or advertising@reading
.org. Acceptance of advertising does not imply
endorsement.
ABOUT US
Literacy Today is the bimonthly membership
magazine of the International Literacy
Association, a nonprofi t that strives to
empower educators, inspire students, and
encourage teachers with the resources they
need to make literacy accessible for all.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Literacy Today (ISSN 2411-7862, Print; 2411-
7900, Online) is included in the cost of ILA
membership. To join, visit literacyworldwide
.org. POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to Literacy Today, PO Box 8139, Newark,
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CONTACT US
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© International Literacy Association
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LIT BITS
6
ILA UPDATE
LITERACY LEADERSHIP
8
Nurturing Reading Lives: Improving Literacy
Outcomes for Male Students of Color
10
More Than Words: Teaching Literacy to
Vulnerable Learners
Online Exclusive: Valuing Online Education: Shift ing Mind-Sets and
Transforming Learning Opportunities, by Aimee Morewood
RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE
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Changing the Face of Education: Amplifying the Voices of Teachers of Color
FEATURES
14
Space for Conversation: Fostering Critical Conversations Through Young
Adult Literature
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The Literacy Connection: Examining the Intersection of Literacy, Equity,
and Social-Emotional Learning
ILA 2019
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Driving Change Through Literacy, Equity, and Social-Emotional Learning
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Kimberly Eckert on What Educators Can Do About a Flawed Education System
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Chad Everett Refl ects on the Journey Toward Equitable Schools
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In Their Words: Matt Mendez and Linda Sue Park in Conversation
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The Magic of Ruta Sepetys
THE ENGAGING CLASSROOM
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Start With the Heart: How to Strengthen Key Beliefs That Motivate Readers
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Learning Is a Connection Project: How Social-Emotional Learning Drives Literacy
42
Focusing on Discourse: Fostering an Environment for Safe Conversations and
Conflict Resolution
Online Exclusive: Dear Pen Pal: Building Literacy Through Lett er Writing, by
Rebecca M. Grove and Kristine M. Calo
THE ILA NETWORK
44
Sending a Powerful Message: How One Middle School Used Literature to
Break Down the Stigma Associated With Mental Illness
46
A Litt le Healthy Competition: Forty-Five Schools Come Together in Nigeria for
an Educational Competition Honoring Literacy Leaders
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EVENTS
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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