WHY DIVERSE BOOKS MATTER Making sure that all students can see themselves represented in the stories they read and hear is critical. “When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part,” wrote Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, professor emerita at The Ohio State University. 2 Lack of representation in the books that students are reading can deflate their sense of self- worth. Conversely, research suggests that culturally responsive books and curricula can improve academic outcomes for minority students. A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that high school freshmen at risk of dropping out saw their GPA increase by more than a full grade point and their attendance increase by 21 percent when they took an ethnic studies course. 3 Diversity in literature and nonfiction doesn’t just benefit underrepresented populations. Students of all backgrounds and ethnicities benefit from reading stories outside their own experience. Reading and learning about others who are different, or those who’ve had very different experiences from our own, is how we develop empathy for others and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Empathy is a vital skill for students to learn. Not only does empathy help students contribute to a safe and supportive school climate for everyone, it also improves their ability to get along with other people and enhances their future job prospects. According to studies, empathy is the single most important skill for leaders in any organization to possess. 4 As workplaces become more culturally diverse and the nature of work becomes increasingly collaborative, intercultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence are highly desirable workforce skills. 5
2 Rising Voices White Paper
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs