About

My research focuses on using literature to examine the experiences of urban youth, broadening the definition of literacy in an effort to better identify and understand perceptions of literate behavior in academic settings, and working with diverse student populations (first-year, first-generation).

Degrees

• EdD from Northern Illinois University

 Publications

• McGee, B., Williams, J.L, Armstrong, S.L., Holschuh, J., Flaggs, D.A., Francis, M.A., Williams, C.A. (2021). Gateways, not gatekeepers: How language matters in reclaiming the narrative for developmental education. Journal of Developmental Education. 44 (2).
• Williams, C.A. & Koss, M.D. (2021). Using The Hate U Give to promote sustainable literacy habits with secondary inner-city students. The ALAN Review. Winter 2021.
• Williams, C.A. & Armstrong, S.L. (2019). Reconceptualizing the work of placement. Toward a culture of inquiry in developmental reading. Journal of College Literacy and Learning. 45. 54-68.
• Koss, M.D. & Williams, C.A. (2018). All American Boys, #BlackLivesMatter, Socratic Seminar to promote productive dialogue in the classroom. Illinois Reading Council Journal.
• Koss, M.D. & Williams, C.A. (2018). Using literary letters in a high school English classroom to challenge the thug persona. Signal Journal.
• Williams, C.A. & Armstrong, S.L. (2017). Complicating college readiness: The hidden literacies of academia. Illinois Reading Council Journal. 45(2), 22-28.
• Williams, C.A. (2016). Reimagining and expanding accelerated learning at a Midwestern minority serving institution. National Association for Developmental Education (NADE). NADE Digest. 8(1), 10-15.
• Williams, C.A. & Magras, L (2018). What I learned and what I learnt: Teaching English while honoring language and culture at a Predominately Black Institution. Lanham, MA: Rowman & Littlefield.