Foundations
“It is proven that illiteracy is a "mechanism of social control and oppression," and it "keeps people trapped in a cycle of poverty, subjugation, limiting life choices and making it difficult to achieve social mobility." (McKinsey & Company).”
Because of statistics like this one, we recognize and promote the importance of reading, especially in the English classrooms. To that end, our three core values (LIT) are the foundation of our culture and our work:
- Literary. We believe that every student should have equal access to quality, classic, modern, contemporary culturally responsive reading and writing resources.
- Inclusive. We advocate for students and teachers in vulnerable populations. We teach the whole child, despite the lifestyle, always and all ways.
- Teacher/Student Collaboration. We support varied perspectives in literature by collaborating with teachers and students around the globe as a best-practice to shape worldviews in all stakeholders.
That way, we get statistics like this one:
“Students who read a lot score better on every imaginable test—the NAEP, the SAT, and the ACT. One of the best ways of doing this is to allow students to read habitually, and in ways that literate people the world over read. . . .Watch your strong readers. What The Joy and Power of Reading | A Summary of Research and Expert Opinion 41 is one factor they all have in common? They read a lot” (Calkins, et al., 2012).”
Make your classroom lit!
Lit partners
Culturally Responsive Literature in the Classroom!
“How come we have to read so much Miss?!”
“Why are we writing so much Miss?!”
“It's an English class. You're supposed to read and write!”
Training. If you've heard either of these complaints, you're an awesome English teacher! It means students are reading and writing often (and with fidelity) in your classroom!
But, if you struggle or just want to add more fun, engaging, culturally inclusive, and rigorous strategies with what you already do, this training was created with you in mind!
In order to address and improve reading and writing deficiencies, #BTR has developed a reading method that improves literacy and cognitive development through active and engaging reading, writing, analysis and discussions. Our reading method can be used in any subject with any text!
From planning and implementation, to monitoring, grading and choosing culturally responsive titles, learn how to design more rigorous, engaging and interactive reading studies and writing workshops in your classroom with tools and resources that you can scaffold into regular teaching practices! We provide training in Texas school districts and in school districts across the nation. Choose full-day, half-day or single workshop sessions to suit the needs of your teachers or your district.
But, if you struggle or just want to add more fun, engaging, culturally inclusive, and rigorous strategies with what you already do, this training was created with you in mind!
In order to address and improve reading and writing deficiencies, #BTR has developed a reading method that improves literacy and cognitive development through active and engaging reading, writing, analysis and discussions. Our reading method can be used in any subject with any text!
From planning and implementation, to monitoring, grading and choosing culturally responsive titles, learn how to design more rigorous, engaging and interactive reading studies and writing workshops in your classroom with tools and resources that you can scaffold into regular teaching practices! We provide training in Texas school districts and in school districts across the nation. Choose full-day, half-day or single workshop sessions to suit the needs of your teachers or your district.
Consulting and Speaking. As a keynote speaker or consultant, #BTR staff will visit with teams or groups to dialogue about the literacy crisis among high school teens and share ways to get involved to support #BTR’s mission and vision. We headline Professional Development sessions throughout the school year. Our topics include:
- The Literacy Crisis Among high school teens in Dallas County
- What it means to be culturally responsive in literature
- Grades Ain't Nothin' But a Number: Strategies that help you reshape how you and your students think about growth and grades.
the LITlounge
Got it? Share it. Need it? Get it! Questions? Ask.
Unadulterated Conversations. Plain and simple.
The LITLounge connects teachers around the world!
Each week, teachers will be able to hang out with us on social media to share challenges, tears, sighs, ideas, discussions, free resources, moans, sillies, willies, news and notes about building and teaching literature studies in a private, closed group.
Got something awesome to share: worksheets, strategies, lesson plans, etc. about literature studies? Send it to us and we'll post it!
The LITLounge connects teachers around the world!
Each week, teachers will be able to hang out with us on social media to share challenges, tears, sighs, ideas, discussions, free resources, moans, sillies, willies, news and notes about building and teaching literature studies in a private, closed group.
Got something awesome to share: worksheets, strategies, lesson plans, etc. about literature studies? Send it to us and we'll post it!