Description:
Bringing together theoretical perspectives on critical theory, literacy theory, and history, and analyses of qualitative data and qualitative research data from classroom research, this book examines popular assumptions about literacy and challenges readers to question how it has been used historically both to empower and to oppress. It offers an alternative view of literacy - a "literacy of promise" - that charts an emancipatory agenda for literacy instructional practices in schools.
Review Quotes:
"Toward a Literacy of Promise" is an unashamed, courageous and deeply reflective look at literacy education in the lives of African American adolescents. It is theoretically rich, and practically clever, culturally complex and highly relevant to teacher education in the American context and teaching literacy in the 21st century."--Education Review
"From discussions of ways literacy instruction has been withheld from, foisted upon, but rarely reveled in or revelatory for African American students to the rich discussions of critical literacy in classrooms, Toward a Literacy of Promise has it all - theory, research, history, personal stories, and visions for teaching."--Carole Edelsky, Arizona State University
"Eloquent, passionate and informed by a deep understanding of theory, history and critical pedagogy, this volume demonstrates vital pathways to empowering social change teaching. Through transformative literacy instruction-the 'literacy of promise'-the authors model powerful teaching that challenges us to overcome complacency, ignorance and fear."--Joyce E. King, Georgia State University