Reading for Claims and Evidence reframes traditional literacy instruction by centering the lived experiences of Afro-Latinx communities and the systemic struggles for racial justice. Grounded in Ethnic Studies and decolonial frameworks, this lesson moves beyond rote memorization to help students identify how identities intersect to create power, privilege, and oppression.
Designed for secondary ELA (grades 8–12), this 100-minute block lesson guides students through a sophisticated jigsaw protocol and shared reading sequence. Students begin by analyzing advocacy for Afro-Latinx DACA recipients, learning to annotate for claims such as the integral nature of the Black immigrant experience in the U.S.
The heart of the lesson features a deep dive into “Expert Groups” based on demands from the Black Lives Matter in School Week and the Black Panther 10 Point Program. Students choose from high-stakes topics—including police reform, the impact of teachers of Color, the school-to-prison pipeline (suspensions), and affordable housing—to evaluate arguments and evidence in leveled text sets.
The lesson concludes with optional extensions for community-based research and argument writing, providing a clear pathway for students to connect classroom analysis to real-world advocacy.
What’s Included
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Complete 100-minute lesson plan with clear instructional pacing.
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Leveled Text Sets covering Affordable Housing, Police Reform, Suspensions, and Teachers of Color.
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Mentor Text & Student Note Sheets tailored for varying proficiency levels, including beginning ELL.
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Jigsaw Reading Protocol and collaborative group role descriptions.
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Argument Paragraph Worksheet for structured writing support.
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Alignment with WAESN Elements of Liberation and Common Core State Standards for RI and SL.
Why Educators Use This Lesson
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Centers Authentic Resistance: Highlights how Afro-Latinos and other marginalized groups resist oppression.
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Interdisciplinary Analysis: Connects ELA skills to historical movements like the Black Panther Party.
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Scaffolded for All Learners: Includes specific materials for ELL students and leveled texts to ensure accessibility.
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Critiques Power Dynamics: Moves beyond “finding the main idea” to understanding why certain narratives exist
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Collaborative Learning: Uses a “Reading Roles” protocol to ensure every student has a voice and a purpose.
This lesson is essential for educators who want to teach rigorous argumentation skills without sacrificing the liberation part of the equation. It’s a toolkit for critical consciousness.