Literacy Now

The following prestigious honors were given at the International Reading Association 57th Annual Convention in Chicago.

IRA Arbuthnot Award

The following research awards and grants were presented on the evening of Monday, April 30, 2012 at the IRA 57th Annual Convention in Chicago.

2012 IRA Dina Feitelson Research Award

Sheila W. Valencia, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Antony T. Smith, University of Washington, Bothell, Washington

Anne M. Reece, Highline School District, Seattle, Washington

Min Li, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Karen K. Wixson, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina

Heather Newman, Tukwila School District, Tukwila, Washington

“Oral Reading Fluency Assessment: Issues of Construct, Criterion, and Consequential Validity,” published in Reading Research Quarterly, 45(3), 270-291, 2010

This award is sponsored by Jehuda Feitelson to honor the memory of Dina Feitelson. 

2012 IRA Jeanne S. Chall Research Fellowship

Krystal Werfel, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee,

“Contribution of Linguistic Knowledge to Spelling Ability in Elementary Children with and without Language Impairment”

2012 IRA Steven A. Stahl Research Grant

“The Classroom Impact of Reading Recovery Training: Re-Situating and Examining Reading Recovery-Based Teacher Learning,” 

This grant is sponsored by Katherine A. Stahl to honor the memory and work of Steven A. Stahl.

2012 IRA Helen M. Robinson Research Grant

“Efficacy of A2C Strategy for Improving Sentence Comprehension in English Language Learners”

2012 IRA Elva Knight Research Grants

Makeba Wilbourn, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, and Vrinda Kalia, Worcester State University, Massachusetts

“Language and Literacy Development in Dual-language Learners: Examining Relations Between Oral Language, Executive Function, and Literacy Development”

Rachel Gabriel, University of Connecticut, Storrs, and Jessica Lester, Washington State University, Pullman

“The Role of Teacher Language in Mediating Student Understanding During Reading Comprehension Instruction”

2012 IRA Teacher as Researcher Grants

Claudia Fimpel and Shaun Eyre, Chula Vista Elementary School, California

“The Journey of a Paradigm Shift from Monolingual to Bilingual: Transferability of Literacy in Dual Language Programs” 

Colleen Nelsen, Chicago Public Schools, Illinois, “Increasing English Language Learner Dialogue: Using Literature Circles to Build Comprehension and Higher Order Thinking”

Amy Moore, Jennifer Academy of the Arts, Chicago Public Schools, Illinois

“Leveling the Playing Field: Effects of Building Background Knowledge on Comprehension of Informational Texts for Students with Limited Prior Knowledge”

Elizabeth Edmondson, Gilmour Academy, Gates Mills, Ohio

“Digital Natives, Libraries: Using eReaders & eBooks to Create Relevance for 21st Century Learners”

Lisa Carter, Alfred Nobel Elementary School, Chicago Public Schools, Illinois,

“Implementing Common Core Thematic Units to Increase Instructional Rigor in the Kindergarten Classroom”

2012 IRA Albert J. Harris Award

Pictured above: IRA President Carrice Cummins; 

IRA Research Director Virginia Goatley; 

Lunetta Williams, Department of Childhood Education, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida; 

Jennifer Graff, College of Education, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia; 

Jacqueline Zeig, PCG Education of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; 

Anne McGill-Franzen and Richard L. Allington, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee; 

Courtney Zmach, Collier County Public Schools, Naples, Florida; 

not pictured: Gregory Camilli, School of Education, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado; 

Rhonda Nowak, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii

“Addressing Summer Reading Setback Among Economically Disadvantaged Elementary Students,” published in Reading Psychology, 31,411–427, 2010

2012 IRA Outstanding Dissertation of the Year

Tanya S. Wright, Michigan State University, East Lansing

“What Classroom Observations Reveal about Oral Vocabulary Instruction in Kindergarten,” received from the University of Michigan

Dissertation Chair: Dr. Susan B. Neuman

The IRA Outstanding Dissertation Award is sponsored by School Rise, LLC.

2012 IRA Outstanding Dissertation of the Year Finalists

Pictured above with IRA President Carrice Cummins: 

Cheryl Wozniak, dissertation from the University of San Francisco, chaired by Patricia Busk, dissertation title: “Reading and the Boy Crisis”; 

Kathryn Louise Solic, dissertation from the University of Tennessee, chaired by Anne McGill-Franzen, dissertation title: “Teachers’ Experiences with Comprehension Instruction in Upper Elementary Classrooms”; 

Jen Scott Curwood, dissertation from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, chaired by Dawnene Hassett, dissertation title: “The Nexus of Continuity and Change: Digital Tools, Social Identities, and Cultural Models in Teacher Professional Development”; 

Deborah Beth Scott, dissertation from the University of Maryland, chaired by Mariam Jean Dreher, dissertation title: “Explicit Instruction on Rhetorical Patterns and Student-Constructed Graphic Organizers: The Impact on Sixth-Grade Students’ Comprehension of Social Studies Text”; 

Sherry Sanden, dissertation from the Washington State University, chaired by Joy Egbert, dissertation title: “Independent Reading: Perspectives and Practices of Highly Effective Teachers”; 

Nicole M. Martin, dissertation from the Michigan State University, chaired by Nell K. Duke, dissertation title: “Exploring Informational Text Comprehension: Reading Biography, Persuasive Text, and Procedural Text in the Elementary Grades”; 

Sue Larson, dissertation from the Aurora University, chaired by Jay Thomas, dissertation title: “The Effects of Academic Literacy Instruction on Engagement and Conceptual Understanding of Biology of Ninth-Grade Students”; 

Michelle R. Ciminelli, dissertation from the University at Buffalo, chaired by Mary McVee, dissertation title: “Teacher Decision Making in Reading Instruction with Choices and Mandates”; 

Megan Mahowald, dissertation from the University of Minnesota; chaired by Lori Helman, dissertation title: “Fourth Grade Among Students’ Reading Proficiency”

Photos of Harris Award winners, Werfel, Stouffer, Benitez-Rivera, Nelsen, Moore, Wright, and dissertation finalists by Chuck Fazio Photography.

This article is reprinted from the June/July 2012 issue of Reading Today. IRA members can read theinteractive digital version of the magazine here. Nonmembers: join today! 

by Tammy Ryan

When you hear “adolescent online literacies, popular culture, digital media and learning, and professional development in the content areas”, you think Donna Alvermann, the Distinguished Research Professor of Language and Literacy Education at the University of Georgia. Donna recently received the International Reading Association Technology in Literacy Education Special Interest Group (TILE-SIG) 2012 Reading Research Award at the TILE-SIG session held during the IRA 57th Annual Convention in Chicago. 

TILE-SIG recognized Donna for her contributions to critical literacies and influential work on multiple literacies adolescents use in and outside the classroom environment. Articles exemplifying Donna’s visions for change include Why Bother Theorizing Adolescents' Online Literacies for Classroom Practice and Research? (2008) and Media, Information Communication Technologies (ICT), and Youth Literacies: A Cultural Studies Perspective (2004). With over 100 articles and chapters, 15 books, and 330 plus presentations and invited papers, Donna contributes her expertise to 45 editorial boards and research panels such as RAND/U.S. Department of Reading Research Panel (2000) and NAEP-Reading Assessment Panel (2009).

Donna represents the voice of adolescent readers internationally and nationally. She continually inspires pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, graduate students, and researchers alike to rethink critical literacy, social practices, and ways to incorporate new technologies into curricular practice to engage all students, particularly the adolescent struggling reader.

Donna is a former classroom teacher. She has an interest in writing non-academic microfiction for online publications and an interest in training a Golden Retriever to compete in AKC obedience. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1965, her Master of Arts in Education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1968, and her M.L.S. in Information Studies and PhD in Reading and Language Arts Education from Syracuse University in 1980. 

Donna will present the keynote address, “How the Research on Students’ Computer Usage Could Change Reading Pedagogies – If We’re Attentive” at next year’s 2013 TILE-SIG session held at the IRA 58th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Learn more about Donna and read selected articles, view her vita, or contact her at dalverma@uga.edu. 

Tammy Ryan is from Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida. 

This article is part of a series from the Technology in Literacy Education Special Interest Group (TILE-SIG).

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by Michelle Cardaronella, IRA Teacher Advisory Panel

My journey to IRA leadership seems unusual. I first became aware of the International Reading Association through its publications. I was familiar with The Reading Teacher journal as a result of my desire to pursue a post-graduate degree. I completed many course assignments using this resource.

After a few years of teaching and well on my way to earning a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, I noticed a flyer advertising a meeting of a local council affiliate. I had not been aware of IRA’s organizational structure prior to this time. The flyer announced a meeting and a contest. By attending all of the meetings of the local council, members would be entered in a drawing for a paid registration to the IRA annual conference. That was very motivating for a young teacher with limited finances. I did attend all of the meetings, however I didn't win the “advertised prize”.

My “prize” became assuming a leadership position within the local council.

It went something like this, "the bylaws prohibit me (current president) from returning and we need a new leader—can you do it?" With very little information, I hesitantly agreed. Within a week, I was attending the state leadership conference. After contacting our state coordinator and being under the misconception that I was the new President-Elect, which was quickly corrected to President. I began learning what my new responsibilities were. I returned home and began contacting all of my friends and colleagues and urging them to become members.

After three years of serving as a local council president, I moved on to hold a state committee chair position. My network of contacts continued to grow. I was sent to workshops in Washington D.C. as part of my committee responsibilities. Soon after that, I was nominated to serve on an IRA committee.

I began a three-year term on the Governmental Relations Committee. I had colleagues from across the country now! Initially, this was very overwhelming for a young teacher (who had no desire to leave the classroom). I began to find my voice.

I continued to serve as a committee chair, but was approached to serve on the Executive Leadership Team for our state association. I declined, stating that my responsibilities as a classroom teacher would not allow me sufficient time to dedicate to that position. Of course that was not the last time I was asked! Due to a family crisis, the Vice-President would have to resign, and I was asked to fulfill her term. Without any other members willing to serve in this position, I again hesitantly accepted.

I attended IRA’s Leadership Training in Toronto, Canada. My network again expanded. I was meeting with the top leaders and researchers in the organization. I returned to my state and began planning our annual state conference. I have such a deep appreciation for all of the hard work that goes into a conference now! My presidency was marked by a devastating hurricane.

I don’t think any amount of training could have prepared me for the year I served as president. Many members relocated, our conference (which was responsible for most of our revenue) was cancelled, and we began rebuilding our infrastructure.

I have stepped back from state leadership for a while, choosing to spend more time with my family. But recently the “call” to serve reached my ears again. I applied and was selected to represent IRA on the Teacher Advisory Panel. In this capacity, I can provide input to the board while continuing to devote time to my classroom responsibilities. Already, I have worked with an international panel (colleagues in Ireland, Kenya, and Canada) to represent classroom teachers within the organization. 

I would not have had the experiences, opportunities, or lasting friendships I've made without the International Reading Association. I may not have won “the prize”, but I certainly have gained more than I ever imagined. I hope I can inspire other classroom teachers to look to IRA leadership as a rewarding opportunity. 

Michelle Cardaronella and Margaret Muthiga await their TAP colleagues

TAP members at the 2012 meeting in Chicago

New TAP members Thomas Leis, Michelle Cardaronella, Maura Rose McMahon, Mary Lou Benesch, Margaret Muthiga, and Michael Henry meet at the IRA Annual Convention in Chicago. Photo by Chuck Fazio Photography. 

Michelle Cardaronella teaches first grade at Hammond Eastside Elementary Magnet school, located in Hammond, Louisiana, and is a new member of the Teacher Advisory Panel.

As 2011-2012 Kentucky Reading Association (KRA) President Cindy Parker began her transition into summer, she took a few moments to share an update with us about their activities and acolades. 

1. Are you especially proud of any of your council’s projects?

This past year, all of the local councils received Honor Council status from the International Reading Association (IRA). Our local councils have worked hard to increase both membership and involvement of their members. Several councils made significant increases. Sessions to engage "new" teachers and future teachers through local workshops, focusing on professional development topics such as the Common Core State Standards, Response to Intervention, and effective writing strategies for teachers, led by department of education consultants and education cooperative staff, who are also KRA members, have been well attended and well received. 

Additionally, we are proud of our partnership with the First Lady, Jane Beshear, and partner agencies to support the Kentucky Literacy Celebration week as well as a statewide summer reading initiative. KRA also supports the Kentucky Bluegrass Award, where students get to vote for their favorite books in K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. A luncheon is held at the annual conference to recognize the winners, and libraries can apply for awards of sets of the books. 

2. What are the benefits of joining your council?

Our mission is "To be a Voice for Literacy" and we have a large and organized council that supports teachers, faculty, families, and communities. Our organization supports and promotes literacy with multiple organizations; our local council events encourage collaboration and networks; our annual state conference also provides professional development and keynotes from national experts and researchers to keep our membership up-to-date and informed. KRA also sponsors several mini-grants to support classroom teachers and libraries.

3. Are there any future projects in store for your council?

This year we went online with our Kentucky Reading Journal and plan to continue this as a resource for membership. We are also looking at setting up online book studies and virtual sessions leading up to our state conference to build enthusiasm and interest in the practices featured by our keynote speakers. 

4. How does one join your council?

Membership information is available at www.ky/. 

5. Is there a website, newsletter, or another way to find out more information about your council? Is there a person that prospective members can contact? 

Our website has online archives of our newsletter. 

Kentucky Reading Association board members