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Honoring Black Language: A Path to Inclusive and Effective Structured Literacy

Thursday, October 24, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT

Honoring Black Language: A Path to Inclusive and Effective Structured Literacy

Presented by Dr. Jasmine Rogers, Adjunct Professor, School of Education, American University; and Maya Goodall, Chief Marketing Officer, CORE Learning
Moderated by Kristie Shelley, Chief Product Officer, CORE Learning

Sponsored by CORE Learning

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Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

Too often, Black Language is treated as something to “correct” rather than recognized as a legitimate language system with its own rules, grammar, and structure. This mindset reflects deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes that not only undermine students’ linguistic heritage but also limit the effectiveness of structured literacy by overlooking the linguistic strengths Black Language-speaking students bring to their learning.

In this third session of CORE Learning’s Structured Literacy and Language Diversity Week: Fall ‘24 Series, Dr. Jasmine Rogers—a leading expert on Black Language and the Science of Reading—explains how even a few hours of instruction on Black English can help teachers recognize unconscious bias and enhance structured literacy instruction. Drawing from her classroom experience and research, she challenges the outdated belief that Black English hinders academic success and demonstrates how affirming it as an asset enables students to build on their knowledge, boosting literacy skills and confidence.

By attending this edWebinar, you’ll gain evidence-based instructional practices that empower you to:

  • Reflect on and adjust your beliefs and attitudes toward Black Language
  • Support Black Language-speaking students by leveraging their linguistic strengths
  • Address unconscious bias to foster a more inclusive classroom environment
  • Make your literacy instruction more reflective of students’ lived experiences

Learn how even small shifts in your beliefs, attitudes, and literacy approach can lead to meaningful improvements. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

Jasmine Rogers

About the Presenters

Dr. Jasmine Rogers is a leading national voice in literacy instruction, specializing in culturally competent approaches to teaching. With nine years of classroom experience in charter and DC Public Schools, she saw firsthand how traditional reading instruction often left Black English-speaking students behind. Her research at American University’s School of Education challenges long-held misconceptions, showing that when teachers receive even minimal training on Black English, their instruction becomes significantly more effective.

A sought-after speaker and consultant, Dr. Rogers blends data-driven research with practical classroom insights. She has been featured as a guest on podcasts, led workshops at teacher conferences, and moderated academic panels. Her work not only helps educators recognize unconscious biases but also equips them to better serve linguistically diverse students. Dr. Rogers’ mission is clear: to revolutionize literacy instruction by affirming every student’s linguistic heritage.

Maya Goodall

Maya Valencia Goodall, M.A., M.Ed. is a pioneering force in education, driven by a singular mission: to ensure that every student, regardless of their linguistic background, receives the literacy and language instruction they both need and deserve. As a co-founder of Lingual Learning and co-creator of Lexia English within Rosetta Stone/Lexia Learning, her journey has been defined by innovation, impact, and unwavering dedication to empowering diverse learners. Today, she continues to shape the educational landscape as a leader in the design and enhancement of OL&LA (Online Literacy and Language Academy) at CORE Learning. Maya’s legacy is a testament to her extraordinary commitment to educational excellence.

Kristie Shelley

About the Moderator

As Chief Product Officer, Kristie Shelley leads, develops, and implements the strategic vision for CORE’s digital products, leveraging over two decades of experience in the publishing and edtech sectors. Her expertise centers on seamlessly integrating cutting-edge tools and technology into product development and practical application, ensuring CORE remains at the innovation forefront. Previously, Kristie developed products for multilingual learners at Lexia and Lingual Learning, a company she co-founded and later sold to Rosetta Stone. She also held multiple roles at MHE before this entrepreneurial venture.

Kristie’s educational journey began as a third-grade teacher in California, providing her with invaluable firsthand experience and a profound appreciation for transformative learning. Her deep passion for empowering learners and educators motivates her to continuously push boundaries and innovate. She holds a B.A. in education from San Diego State University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instructional design from the University of Phoenix.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

Join the Language and Literacy community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.


CORE Learning

For 25+ years, CORE has pioneered evidence-based and research-grounded professional learning experiences and school supports that equip educators with the tools they need to advance rigorous instruction, high-quality materials, and effective assessments. CORE partners with educators to strengthen the foundations of teaching and learning, ensuring all students experience a rigorous, relevant, and inclusive public education.


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