The International Reading Association (IRA) will hold two workshops—one for program report writers and one for program report reviewers—at the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER) Conference on Saturday, November 3, 2012, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The conference will be held from November 1 to November 4. This year’s theme will be “Literacy is Transformative.” Speakers for the event include Dr. Taffy E. Raphael and Dr. Nell Duke, along with children’s author and illustrator Lynne Rae Perkins.

The NCATE sessions will focus on the online submission process, creating reliable assessments that meet IRA standards, and specific instructions for properly submitting a report to the IRA. The workshops will also review model assessments, rubrics, and scoring guides and update participants on any developments from NCATE. Finally, the workshops will explore the national recognition process and address any specific concerns of participants.

Since these workshops are held in conjunction with the program reviewers, attendance greatly improves the chances of accreditation with the first submission. Talking with reviewers at IRA workshops allows program writers a unique chance to gain further clarity regarding program expectations and the submission process.

The IRA believes that only high-quality teachers can deliver high-quality instruction. As an NCATE specialized professional association, IRA reviews advanced programs for candidates preparing to serve as reading specialists/literacy coaches.

The IRA will hold a day-long institute on program report preparation and review in April at their 2013 convention in San Antonio, Texas. More information about the convention can be found on the International Reading Association’s annual convention website.

To register for the ALER conference visit www.aleronline.org. Contact research@/ for more information or to learn how you can become an IRA/NCATE reviewer.

Elizabeth Bleacher is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.