More Than Managing Inequities: Exploring the Role Critical Literacy Might Play in English Education

• In Event: Repositioning Criticality in the Writing and Literacies Classroom

Abstract

Love et al. (2020) argue for restructuring schools in ways that do more than manage existing inequities but transform teaching and learning in profound ways. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role critical literacy might play in developing youth activism around justice issues important to students that goes beyond simply managing the status quo. In this paper, we respond to recent calls to ramp up literacy work in schools in ways that build youth activism, center their interests and identities, and produce justice. Findings indicate that youth will take up justice issues that are important to them when given the time and opportunity.

Authors

• Joanne C. Larson, University of Rochester

• Shana Pies, East High School

• Christopher Bethmann, East High School

• Eleni Duret, University of Rochester