I’m thrilled to share a powerful read-aloud of Marta Salinas' short story, "The Scholarship Jacket." This compelling narrative is an excellent addition to any secondary ELA classroom, sparking vital discussions and deep engagement with students.
"The Scholarship Jacket" centers on Martha, a dedicated Mexican-American eighth-grader whose dream of earning the prestigious scholarship jacket is threatened by an unexpected policy change. Previously awarded purely on merit, the jacket now comes with a fee, forcing Martha to confront the realities of financial hardship and the potential for a system to betray its core values.
This story beautifully explores challenging themes of fairness, integrity, and socioeconomic barriers within the American education system. It’s particularly well-suited for readers who appreciate narratives about:
- Social Justice: Students and teachers interested in discussions about equity, class differences, and institutional fairness will find this story thought-provoking.
- Character-Driven Conflict: Readers who enjoy cheering for an underdog and exploring a protagonist's internal and external struggles against adversity will be drawn to Martha's journey.
- Themes of Courage and Perseverance: The story's focus on standing up for one's beliefs and the importance of resilience in the face of injustice will resonate with those who value these qualities.
Using a read-aloud like this one can significantly enhance comprehension, engagement, and critical thinking in your classroom. It provides an accessible entry point to the story, allowing students to focus on the narrative and themes without the immediate pressure of independent reading.
For more resources related to "The Scholarship Jacket," including free printables and activities to use with this story, head over to the signup page.
If you're looking for even more short story resources, including all of the printables, video and audio adaptations, paired texts, and writing connections for a wide range of powerful narratives, be sure to explore our full Curated Short Stories Library. And for a comprehensive framework for teaching reading strategies, check out my Reading TRIIPS unit.