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Abstract

This paper explains the rationale behind and need for teaching data literacy approaches in an English classroom. It outlines a unit of study based on the book by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohammad, When Stars are Scattered, which follows the true story of Omar as he navigates education and family responsibilities in a refugee camp in Kenya. Because of the relevant and important global challenges that arise in the story, students need a wealth of background knowledge to approach the text. This paper argues that this background knowledge is best delivered through the use of real-world data about refugees and displaced people, so that students can make connections between the characters and news stories that they might encounter. Teachers can also use technology to help students become experts in the classroom and make connections between academic and real-world experiences, learning skills for using data, which will saturate their futures, as a chance to reach across “language” barriers between dense text and innately understood concepts. Literacy is more than simply learning to use words; it is a set of skills used to fully communicate. Analogously, data literacy is more than just knowing how to read data; it is an ongoing method of participating fully in a datified society. Common Core standards emphasize interpreting and comparing diverse text types across genres. This unit’s integration of data and social literacy allows students to develop such skills in using evidence to make a claim, synthesizing ideas, and engaging in discussions. The paper will offer examples and practical advice for incorporating data literacy into any middle school ELA classroom.

Author Biography

Mary Grace Scartz is a second year middle school ELA teacher in San Jose, CA. She is currently earning her M.Ed through The University of Notre Dame's ACE Teaching Fellows Program. Having studied Global Affairs in her undergrad, she enjoys helping her students to gain global perspectives and use their literacy skills to engage with their community.

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