ERIC Number: EJ1119234
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Nov
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-1784
EISSN: N/A
The Opportunity Gap in Literacy
Wolter, Deborah
Educational Leadership, v74 n3 p30-33 Nov 2016
"It's not the circumstances students bring to school that limit students' growth but their lack of opportunity at school," writes teacher consultant Deborah Wolter. In this article, she argues that a deficit mindset in education--particularly about students who are seen as struggling for linguistic, economic, physical, or academic reasons--leads students to be deprived of learning opportunities in literacy. Using a series of student anecdotes, Wolter offers suggestions for how to close this co-called opportunity gap. She recommends being aware of ableism, studying the connection between assessment and instructional decisions, viewing students' errors as strengths, and redefining the roles of special educators and other support specialists. Wolter makes a case for full inclusion--as opposed to singling out students for special services, ability grouping, or tracking--so that all students have the chance to grow as readers and writers.
Descriptors: Educational Opportunities, At Risk Students, Correlation, Educational Assessment, Educational Methods, Special Education Teachers, Teacher Role, Inclusion, Disabilities, Equal Education, Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Literacy Education, Socioeconomic Status, Limited English Speaking
ASCD. 1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714. Tel: 800-933-2723; Tel: 703-578-9600; Fax: 703-575-5400; Web site: http://www.ascd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A