Celebrating diverse cultures through classroom literature and instruction can provide every student with a true sense of belonging. Our solutions are designed to help educators lead meaningful lessons and students understand their own culture and those of others, creating a more welcoming and productive learning environment for all.
Culturally Responsive Instruction
Celebrating diverse cultures through classroom literature and instruction can provide every student with a true sense of belonging. Our solutions are designed to help educators lead meaningful lessons and students understand their own culture and those of others, creating a more welcoming and productive learning environment for all.
Our Approach
Every child should have the opportunity to see themselves and others in the books they read. By combining evidence-based literacy practices with inclusive storytelling, learning becomes relevant and meaningful to every student. Our work is guided by three principles:
Respect
Classroom libraries should include authentic titles by diverse authors that positively depict the historically underrepresented.
Inclusivity
Texts that serve as windows and mirrors to the world empower students to discover more about themselves and others.
Joy
Stories of rich histories, vibrant cultures, and varying experiences help all students find joy in reading.
In the United States, 50 percent of our students identify as being a person of color, compared to only 20 percent of their teachers.
Undeniable Outcomes
Children of all backgrounds need cultural awareness to succeed in school and in life. A culturally responsive approach is connected to:
- Improved academic performance
- Increased attendance
- Higher graduation rates
- Positive self-concept
Renowned Researchers. Revered Practitioners.
We partner with some of the most respected researchers and practitioners in culturally responsive education. These innovative thought leaders and educators apply their research findings and experience to our programs and professional books. This gives schools and districts proven strategies that drive real outcomes.
Gholdy Muhammad, Ph.D.
Professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Tanji Reed Marshall, Ph.D.
Author, Educational Equity Champion
Maria Armstrong, Ph.D.
Former Executive Director for the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS)
M. Ann Levett, Ph.D.
Assistant Executive Director of the School Superintendents Association (AASA)
Don Vu, Ph.D.
Educator, Administrator, and Author
Kamania Wynter-Hoyte, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education at the University of South Carolina
Eliza G. Braden, Ph.D.
Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina
Michele Myers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor at Wake Forest University
Sanjuana C. Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education at Kennesaw State University
Natasha Thornton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Elementary Education at Spelman College
Finally, someone understands that there is this intersectionality between literacy and representation necessary for students to resonate with books.
Culturally Responsive Solutions
We help educators reflect the diverse cultures, experiences, and backgrounds of their students and lead meaningful lessons and discussions.
School and District Programs
Culturally Relevant Libraries with Instructional Materials
Rising Voices | Grades K–5
Culturally Diverse Decodables and Instruction
Our Stories Decodables | Grades K–5
The First and Only Haitian-Themed Book Collection and Take-Home Book Packs
Our Community: Haitian Heritage | Grades K–3
eBook Library and Reading Assessment Program
Literacy Pro | Grades K–8
Collections of Diverse Cultures and Abilities
Culturally Responsive Collections | Grades PreK–12
Storybook Collection of Diverse Cultures and Experiences
Our Voices | Grades 1–2
Family and Community Engagement
Diverse Take-Home Packs with Teacher and Family Supports
My Books Every Day | Grades K–5
Take-Home Packs with Diverse Stories
Grab and Go | Grades PreK–8
Family Literacy Sessions
Read and Rise | Families of Grades PreK–3/Ages 0–9
Literacy Mentoring Program
Scholastic R.E.A.L. | Grades PreK–8
Professional Learning
With our flexible training solutions, your team will learn the fundamental, research-based principles of culturally responsive instruction.
Professional Books
Our authors make the Science of Reading easy to understand and implement. Their research-backed strategies are proven to raise literacy outcomes and support child development.
Foundations and Impact
Research informs everything we do. We build on research-based evidence and then measure what we’ve built to ensure our solutions are effective. That way, you have the knowledge and assurance you need when selecting programs for your organization.
Scholastic R.E.A.L. Foundation Paper
R.E.A.L. uses evidence-based concepts to improve students’ relationship with reading. It incorporates interactive read-alouds, modeling by adults, literacy-focused mentoring, family engagement, and expanded home libraries.
Blended Reading Platform Supports Diversity, Equity, and Choice
Learn how Scholastic Literacy Pro helped San Jose Charter Academy enhance its literacy instruction through culturally diverse books, student ownership, and expanded access to text.
Fresh Takes on Culturally Responsive Instruction
Explore these additional articles and videos from our partners and colleagues.
How Educators Can Have Courageous Conversations Inspired by Joyful and Diverse Books
By Dr. Maria Armstrong, Nury Castillo Crawford, and Estephanie Mosquera-Ortiz
Q&A with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad: Culturally Responsive Instruction Series
By Dr. Gholdy Muhammad and Dr. Amanda Alexander
10 Tips for Liberating Your Literacy Instruction: Culturally Responsive Instruction Series
By Dr. Michele Myers, Dr. Kamania Wynter-Hoyte, Dr. Sanjuana C. Rodriguez, Dr. Eliza Braden, Dr. Natasha Thornton, and Dr. Amanda Alexander
