Leadership and Capacity Building for Literacy Development for English Language Learners

• In Event: Advancing Equity and Inclusivity Through Ethical Leadership and Documentary Engagement in Education

Abstract

This paper highlights case studies of three school leaders who participated in a 15-month professional development project to build capacity in their districts, specifically to support teachers of ELLs, focus on advanced literacy instruction, and establish or enhance home-school connections. Coming from various entry points with family engagement, each school leader attempted to create home-school connections around literacy in an effort to support ELL students’ literacy in their home languages, as well as develop literacy in English. This paper will show how a university-school partnership created through a U.S. Department of Education grant-funded research and professional development project empowered school leaders to create racially just and equitable educational opportunities around literacy for their ELL students.

Authors

• Gretchen Oliver, Clarkson University

• Karen M. Gregory, Clarkson University