Talk Matters workshops are dynamic and interactive opportunities for the professionals in any setting to reflect carefully on the everyday language that is used to describe the characteristics, abilities, and potential of children.
Three broad areas of focus during workshops are use of deficit terminology, labels that emerge from tracking and classification of students, and protection of student and family confidentiality. I shape each presentation after careful consultation with the institution so the workshop or professional development will lead to beneficial changes that are ultimately reflected in a code of ethics.
WHO BENEFITS FROM TALK MATTERS WORKSHOPS?
- K-12 Schools: Constructing Ethical Language Environments
- Teacher Education Undergraduate and Graduate Programs: Constructing Ethical Language Environments and Examining Textbooks and Research Articles Selected for Classes
- Educational Administration and Leadership Programs: Constructing and Implementing Ethical Language Environments in Educational Programs and Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations Serving Youth and Families: Constructing Ethical Language Environments Reflected in Daily Interactions, Materials, and Funding Proposals
- Child Care and Preschool Programs: Constructing Ethical Language Environments and Ethical Family Support and Communication