Teachers at MVHS inspire students to improve literacy through thought-provoking novels

As of December 2023, Mount Vernon High School (MVHS) has earned recognition as a school in good standing by New York State, marking the beginning of a new era of success and ongoing improvement. With a strong focus on literacy across all classes, MVHS is creating an environment conducive to continuous academic growth. Recent rankings from Public School Review indicate that MVHS is now in the top 50% of public schools statewide based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data, and the school is committed to sustaining this upward trajectory.

In Tracey Anderson-Grant’s African American Studies class at MVHS, students are not only enhancing their reading comprehension but also grappling with pivotal themes of racism and prejudice through engaging novels. The faculty at MVHS is dedicated to fostering the daily improvement of students' literacy skills, equipping them for a successful future beyond graduation.

Inspired by an article highlighting the widespread struggle among college students to read full-length works—often attributed to their high school experience focusing on shorter excerpts—Ms. Anderson-Grant initiated a reading challenge for her class. Her African American Studies students enthusiastically embraced this opportunity, selecting books that resonated with their interests and igniting a newfound passion for reading.

“We know that reading and writing go hand in hand,” stated Principal Dr. Pauline Pearce. “After seeing the same article Ms. Anderson-Grant read, I realized the need to push for more comprehensive reading materials in our curriculum, encouraging students to engage with complete narratives rather than just excerpts.”

The novel selected by the students portrays an African American family navigating the challenges of daily life in the rural South during the Great Depression. Ms. Anderson-Grant reported, “So far, it’s been very good. The students are genuinely interested in the book. They appreciate its relevance to ongoing social issues in America, even though it is set during a time of segregation in Mississippi.”

The classroom dynamic in Anderson-Grant's class underscores the importance of education as students demonstrate a commitment to improving their literacy skills while supporting one another. Outside of class, students are encouraged to read ahead and prepare their thoughts for in-depth discussions. During class, they read aloud, engaging with guided questions and assisting each other in understanding unfamiliar vocabulary.

Junior Malakai Hulcome remarked, “When it comes to reading aloud, I don’t make a fuss. The importance of reading is to widen your mind! There are so many words in the book that confuse me, but I look them up on my phone, which expands my vocabulary.”

By immersing themselves in novels that reflect the African American experience, students at MVHS are not only improving their literacy skills but also enhancing their cultural awareness and critical thinking abilities. This commitment to reading offers profound insights into historical and contemporary issues, fostering an educational environment that empowers students to become informed citizens and advocates for change.