Text-Dependent Analysis in Action: Examples From Dr. MLK, Jr.'s Letter from a Birmingham Jail

• In-depth analysis and discussion of Dr. King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail
• Explanation of the cognitive requirements of the Standards
• Examples drawn from specific, well-argued paragraphs

• Category

  Education

[Lorna Wheelaghan]

Thanks for this talk – I found it thought provoking and particularly helpful while doing an online course with a large amount of varied input. In this context it is much more useful to have this condensed approach rather than observe how this letter could be used in a classroom situation.

[John Barker]

This is less than helpful. I think teaching involves leading a class discussion--not talking to yourself. Why not show  a class of high school students being guided through the example.

[clernest]

I love to teach this letter to my high school and college students as one of the supreme examples of persuasive writing. However, I take a more historical context approach to it. For example, my students are encouraged to find and read the open letter from the Alabama clergymen that prompted the letter and identifies his immediate audience. I also precede the reading with a viewing and discussion of videos and news clips from the Birmingham movement. Is this approach contrary to CCSS intent?

[Victor Kicklow]

"It's a letter from a clergyman...to clergymen." Brilliant! Not only is this guy completely out of touch--he's also an idiot.

[Victor Kicklow]

Oh my GOD what a tool.

[micheleodyssey]

How many years did David Coleman teach in the public school system?

[Jane Gangi]

"An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere." It strikes me that David Coleman's insistence on one approach to reading is an injustice everywhere to all children. Children need multiple entries to text.

I reported this video as "harmful"--the Common Core State Standards and their PARCC and SBAC assessments enrich the one percent--test and computer makers. The $16 billion we'll be spending on these misguided assessments should go TO CHILDREN and schools--just like what Sasha and Malia have.

[jrobinson1962]

This video is an excellent example of the same kind of extreme reliance on "text" alone that fundamentalists employ to restrict thought and exploration.