Upending Colonial Practices: Toward Repairing Harm in English Education

Abstract

This article briefly reviews the colonial roots of English education in the United States and outlines current practices that perpetuate harm in the lives of students of color in K-12 schools. Through an examination of theoretical scholarship and empirical research related to repairing the harm invoked by colonizing English education practices, the authors collectively build on Winn’s (2013) call for researchers to imagine and engage in practices of restorative teacher education within specific area groups. Drawing on their collective research experiences, the authors highlight practices that support the reparative, restorative, and humanizing literacy pedagogies necessary for 21st century schools, with the aim of deepening knowledge and practices that advance “restorative English education”.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional Resources

1. Cuautin, R.T., Zavala, M., Sleeter, C., Au, W. (2019). Rethinking Ethnic Studies. Milwaukee, WI: Rethinking Schools Publication.

A comprehensive edited volume on the teaching of K-12 ethnic studies in the United States.

2. Lyiscott, J. (2014). Jamila Lyiscott: 3 ways to speak English [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/jamila_lyiscott_3_ways_to_speak_english?language=en

Lyiscott’s spoken-word essay celebrates her fluid language practices and identities while simultaneously critiquing language ideologies.

3. Mirra, N., Coffey, J., & Englander, A. (2018). Warrior scholars and bridge builders: Civic dreaming in ELA classrooms. Journal of Literacy Research. doi: 10.1177/1086296X18784335

Authors demonstrate how ELA classes can be crucial sites for civic education.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cati V. de los Ríos

Cati V. de los Ríos is at the University of California Davis. Danny C. Martinez is at the University of California, Davis. Adam D. Musser is at the University of California, Davis. Asha Canady is at Caliber Schools. Patrick Camangian is at the University of San Francisco. Patricia D. Quijada is at the University of California, Davis.

Danny C. Martinez

Cati V. de los Ríos is at the University of California Davis. Danny C. Martinez is at the University of California, Davis. Adam D. Musser is at the University of California, Davis. Asha Canady is at Caliber Schools. Patrick Camangian is at the University of San Francisco. Patricia D. Quijada is at the University of California, Davis.

Adam D. Musser

Cati V. de los Ríos is at the University of California Davis. Danny C. Martinez is at the University of California, Davis. Adam D. Musser is at the University of California, Davis. Asha Canady is at Caliber Schools. Patrick Camangian is at the University of San Francisco. Patricia D. Quijada is at the University of California, Davis.

Asha Canady

Cati V. de los Ríos is at the University of California Davis. Danny C. Martinez is at the University of California, Davis. Adam D. Musser is at the University of California, Davis. Asha Canady is at Caliber Schools. Patrick Camangian is at the University of San Francisco. Patricia D. Quijada is at the University of California, Davis.

Patrick Camangian

Cati V. de los Ríos is at the University of California Davis. Danny C. Martinez is at the University of California, Davis. Adam D. Musser is at the University of California, Davis. Asha Canady is at Caliber Schools. Patrick Camangian is at the University of San Francisco. Patricia D. Quijada is at the University of California, Davis.

Patricia D. Quijada

Cati V. de los Ríos is at the University of California Davis. Danny C. Martinez is at the University of California, Davis. Adam D. Musser is at the University of California, Davis. Asha Canady is at Caliber Schools. Patrick Camangian is at the University of San Francisco. Patricia D. Quijada is at the University of California, Davis.