September 30, 2021
Rachel Slaughter M'00
Can you recall the last book that made a permanent impact or impression on you? Did it have multidimensional protagonists? Was the plot well-developed, or maybe more importantly, contemporary? Consider the last story or text that indelibly changed you, and then try to remember an assignment from middle or high school. Were you inspired, or simply disinterested in reading the same novels that your parents (and possibly your grandparents) read before you?
According To Dr. Rachel Slaughter M’00, young children in primary school are exposed to a wide range of literature, but that typically ends by the time they reach seventh grade. Instead of reading multicultural texts which reflect the diversity of their lives, dated books are often distributed to yet another generation. She’s trying to end that by working with school stakeholders, and challenging them to create an environment where multicultural texts are incorporated into the curriculum.
“I grew up in a little town in Yeadon, Pa., and attended predominantly white institutions,” she said. “I was one of the only children of color, and every day we would read about cultures that didn’t reflect mine. ‘Why am I invisible in school?’ I wondered. I want teachers to look outside of the canon for books that represent the BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) experience. You would be surprised at how much kids love the genre because it reflects our reality.”
Slaughter believes that while there is merit in teaching canonical texts, like “The Catcher
in the Rye,” or “Flowers for Algernon,” it is urgent for middle and high school English teachers to focus on multicultural literature, so students can learn about diverse cultures, ethnicities and identities. Texts like “The Hate U Give,” by Angie Thomas or “The House on Mango Street,” by Sandra Cisneros, can serve as catalysts to help young people love reading, and they initiate crucial conversations about race, diversity and inclusion.
“I want educators to consider assigning texts that will facilitate an understanding of other cultures and ethnicities as we move into a world where the minority is becoming the majority,” she explained. “I firmly believe an increase in multicultural literature will decrease racism in schools.”
When Slaughter was researching graduate programs to further her education, several professional colleagues recommended Kutztown due to its robust elementary education department, available courses and distinguished professors. She credits her early work in “Methods of Research” for igniting an interest in the benefits of multicultural literature, which formed the bedrock of her research and dissertation.
“I enjoyed KU’s College of Education, its course offerings, and the amazing people who made the university a home away from home,” Slaughter recalled. “Lytle Hall was where most of my courses were offered – I spent countless hours there. It is where I learned how to form a critical response to literature.”
Following the completion of her master’s in education with a reading specialist certification, Slaughter went on to complete her Ed.D. at Widener University in cognitive studies in reading.
Today, Slaughter is an author and learning specialist living in Lansdowne, Pa. Her latest
publication, “Turning the Page: The Ultimate Guide for Teachers to Multicultural Literature,” advises teachers on how to incorporate multicultural texts in the classroom, and provides a variety of resources, including curated book lists and lesson plans.
Every month, she publishes a column of “The Reading QUILT,” which highlights a book that parents or teachers can use to begin talking about culture and race, at home or in the classroom. Her column can be read in Chalkbeat Philadelphia; Successful Black Parenting; and Funtimes Magazine. The acronym QUILT stands for Quality of writing; Universal theme; Imaginative plot; as well as a mini-Lesson plan; and Talking points. Recently featured books include “Another Brooklyn” by Jacqueline Woodson, “Rachel” by Angelina Weld Grimke, and “The Lesser Blessed” by Richard Van Camp.
This article appeared in the Fall 2021 issue of The Tower.
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Laying the Groundwork for a Better Future
Alumnus strives to empower everyday people to solve their money challenges.
The Blues and Rock Ensemble at Kutztown University will make you get out of your seat and dance - and applaud this award-winning group.
READ FULL STORYAfter graduation, Heather Browne '16 moved back to the Baltimore area, where she is now a first-grade teacher at the Maryland School for the Blind.
READ FULL STORYTwo years after graduating in 2009, Clay created his first fantasy football website. By 2016, ESPN came calling.
READ FULL STORYNessa Cartagena of Bethlehem, Pa., was awarded the 2018 Enlightened Leadership Scholarship to attend KU and majors in finance and personal financial planning.
READ FULL STORYA field hockey player by training, she soon identified the characteristic that would come to define her love for politics: a competitive spirit.
READ FULL STORYPeace Corps volunteer Yorman De La Rosa made it to Morocco by way of Kutztown University, after a semester-long stop in our nation’s capital.
READ FULL STORYMarybeth Kern ’09, M’19, who recently secured a spot as a featured artist in Logic’s music video, is all about collaboration.
READ FULL STORYTekiah Brabham's commitment to urban classrooms leads her to teach in Washington, D.C.
READ FULL STORYKU Celebrates First Graduating Cohort of the Education Doctorate Program.
READ FULL STORYChristina Franko Uliano ’07 used a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms grant to broaden her curriculum. After spending time abroad in Colombia, Christina joined a Fulbright global education online course to learn the tools for bringing global thinking into the classroom.
READ FULL STORYJacey Tran and Bekah Roux, honors students at KU, became fast friends during the unexpected 2020 quarantine.
READ FULL STORYKutztown University is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its relationship with the Lake Peninsula School District in the state of Alaska.
READ FULL STORYSarah is a junior, majoring in social media theory and strategy, with a double minor in business and communications.
READ FULL STORYKutztown University gave Moe an opportunity that no other school did, to study a prestigious major while playing championship-level basketball.
READ FULL STORYMichael is a sophomore, majoring in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics.
READ FULL STORYIn this Kutztown University Student Spotlight, we highlight Laura Gale. Laura is a senior, pursuing anthropology degree. See why she chose KU!
READ FULL STORYKutztown University alumnus, Collin DiGalbo, signs professional contract to continue football career overseas.
READ FULL STORYKutztown University student Joey Strain has lived out his dream of being a children’s book illustrator, and he hasn’t even graduated yet.
READ FULL STORYRecent graduate Tyler Shull is ready to set out on his journey as a teacher.
READ FULL STORYBriana combined a marketing major with a social media minor to create a path to success in a field she can't wait to join.
READ FULL STORYSavina found the perfect combination at KU, with a double major in chemistry and environmental science.
READ FULL STORYChinonyerem, "Noye" is a senior, majoring in Elementary Education/Pre-K - 4 and Special Education/Visual Impairments.
READ FULL STORYFrankmarlin is a 2020 Kutztown University graduate of the Studio Arts Program. He returned to KU in 2020-21 as an artist in residence.
READ FULL STORYNicholas found a community of ambitious, talented students who challenge him to grow as an artist and aspiring teacher.
READ FULL STORYKU's Upward Bound program helps prepare students in Allentown's William Allen School District for a college education.
READ FULL STORYStudents and faculty conducted an archaeological dig at a prehistoric site on campus.
READ FULL STORYKU alumnus dedicates career to defending "everyday people."
READ FULL STORYKU alumna charts a path to her dream job.
READ FULL STORYKU alumnus finds entrepreneurial success in an unexpected way.
READ FULL STORYKU alumna find success in show business.
READ FULL STORYThis professional writing graduate is helping to bring PennDOT's message to the people of Pennsylvania.
READ FULL STORYKU professors and internationally renowned musical duo nurture promising students and promote the university’s musical offerings.
READ FULL STORYKutztown University alumnus fights food insecurity with America’s Grow-a-Row
READ FULL STORYPolitical Science alumna pursues career in law.
READ FULL STORYAlumna's experience at KU leads to her dream job in a copper mine.
READ FULL STORYKutztown University alumnus is continuing the legacy of education.
READ FULL STORYMeet Kutztown University student Mallory Schmidt who is studying Special Education/Visually Impaired.
READ FULL STORYMeet Kutztown University Student Rotuk Rahedi studying Sport Management.
READ FULL STORYEnvironmental science student Patrick plans to continue his research in graduate school.
READ FULL STORYMeet Kutztown University student Bianca Rosales studying Art Education.
READ FULL STORYBiology major has soared with research opportunities at KU and beyond.
READ FULL STORYThis 2019 graduate is on her way to a pediatric residency after completing med school.
READ FULL STORYMeet Kutztown University student Victoria Fischer, studying Cinema, Television and Media Production
READ FULL STORYMeet Kutztown University student Sylvannah Gulley, a Library Science major.
READ FULL STORYMeet Kutztown University student Nicholas Coppolino, a Business Administration/Entrepreneurship major.
READ FULL STORYStudent spotlight alert! Meet Eva Labram. She is a Professional Writing major at Kutztown University. Learn more about her education journey here.
READ FULL STORYAudrey Zimmerman co-owns the oldest children's shoe company in America.
READ FULL STORYThis 2014 graduate is practicing the art of dentistry.
READ FULL STORYKutztown alum graduates from prestigious FBI National Academy.
READ FULL STORYTraveling to the brink of volcanoes.
READ FULL STORYEnsuring Safety in Research Environments.
READ FULL STORYLaying the Groundwork for a Better Future
READ FULL STORYAlumnus strives to empower everyday people to solve their money challenges.
READ FULL STORY