I am a teacher, literacy scholar, and practitioner-researcher, someone who both studies and actively participates in the collaborative inquiry process. I believe the most meaningful work happens with communities, not just about them. I work alongside educators, youth, and community partners [...]

As most Maryland educators are aware, the state has approved new legislation regarding literacy instruction in our public schools. The new requirements include the following: All Pre-K students in Maryland must receive instruction and curriculum aligned with the Science of Reading, [...]

As we begin a new era and a new school year, this month’s Equity Exchange newsletter begins with a focus on the Implementation of the Maryland Comprehensive PreK-3 Literacy Policy. As our state launches this groundbreaking work, literacy and reading will [...]

Educators often treat school culture and climate as interchangeable terms; however, they are distinct concepts. As noted in this month’s Director’s Desk article, it is the culture – the set of shared values, beliefs, and traditions – that influences people’s attitudes [...]

"Usus est magister optimus." The literal translation is “Use is the best master,” or in modern parlance, “Practice makes perfect.” As noted in the July Equity Exchange newsletter article examining Summer Learning Loss, “most teachers and coaches emphasize approximations of perfection. [...]

Director’s Desk As school summer breaks come to a close, in this month’s Equity Express, we’re turning our attention to the interconnected challenges of school climate, especially chronic absenteeism, culture, and equity. Setting expectations at the start of a school year [...]