Teachers who utilize a multiple literacies approach to language instruction provide opportunities for students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to become more successful learners. A multiple literacies approach fosters an atmosphere of participation that allows students to tap into the language resources and cultural knowledge of their home communities and engage in meaningful learning. Equally important, a multiple literacies instructional approach helps students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, such as African American Language speakers, acquire standard language without sacrificing their identities.