Date Approved
8-6-2026
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Literacy Studies: Reading (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Elizabeth Stolle
Academic Year
2025/2026
Abstract
Poorly represented minority groups fail to connect reader identity backgrounds
with the characters in texts due to curriculum traditionally relying on English dominant
translations. This system challenge deficit fails students by placing limitations on the
exposure of rich vocabulary, cultural awareness and sets up lack of engagement. This
project is grounded in Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Pedagogy, Sociocultural
Theory, Constructing Reader Identities and Engagement theories that transforms
student diversity into an instructional practice that empowers multilingual learners.
To empower students, this digital culturally relevant library optimizes educator
planning time. This digital library provides immediate access to multicultural books
alongside a mini-book report that will provide written interactions with the text.
Educators will also be provided with a student background identity questionnaire and
a reflection survey that will guide implementation. This tool bridges critical diversity
gaps by expanding on student repertoires and preserving their true identities within
the classroom environment.
ScholarWorks Citation
Lopez, Abigail, "Multimodal Digital Libraries: A Response to Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Classrooms" (2026). Masters Projects. 771.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/771
