Literacy Now

by Melanie Cohen Goodman, Chestnut Hill College

The Mission of IRA’s Literacy and Social Responsibility Special Interest Group (L-SR SIG) is to study, understand, and advocate for high quality programs which integrate community service, participatory citizenship, social responsibility, appreciation for diversity, environmental stewardship, character education, and/or caring behavior into the development of literacy across the curriculum. L-SR Past President and Membership Chair, Melanie Goodman, shares what makes the SIG unique and fun. 

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

Members of the L-SR SIG are proud of all our activities including our consistently engaging sessions at IRA’s annual convention dedicated to introducing conference attendees to top-notch key note speakers and interactive round table presenters, our new special service award for students, informative newsletter, creative website, and most recent professional venue–the LSR e-journal. We work to build community at our sessions and leadership dinners, and online now via Facebook. We should also mention our newest award under development is for books that address–you guessed it!–literacy and social responsibility. 

Our newest project just unveiled last year is the Literacy and Service Recognition Award. This annual award celebrates the work of students (K-16+) who have been nominated by teachers and librarians for exemplary community service involving some form of literacy. Alma Flor Ada and Isabel Campoy inspired this award, provided seed funds, and serve on the award committee chaired by Denise Stuart. Award winners are presented with an engraved plaque and certificate of recognition and invited to showcase their work at IRA’s annual convention as part of the L-SR SIG program. The inaugural first place winner was a team of third-grade students in an advanced literacy class at the Columbus School for Girls, who traveled to Orlando to present their service project last year. The work of Ahlam Jallaq, Aubrey Lanham, Ailis Rees, Leslie Robins, and Evelyn Stuntz was celebrated for developing and expanding Project S.O.A.R. (Save Our Albatross Research). Visit the L-SR website for submission details and information about our first award recipients.

Photo caption: Evelyn Stuntz, Leslie Robins, Ahlam Jallaq, Ailis Rees, and Aubrey Lanham along with teacher Debbie Charna display the service award and certificate at their school library.

Photo caption: Denise Stuart, Awards Chair of L-SR SIG, presents Literacy and Service Award certificates to the 2011 winners from Columbus School for Girls for Project S.O.A.R. (Save Our Albatross Research) at the L-SR SIG session. Ahlam Jallaq, Aubrey Lanham, Ailis Rees and Leslie Robins, traveled to Orlando with nominating teacher Debbie Charna and Director of Lower School Joan Hill.

2. What does your SIG program look like at the Annual IRA Convention?

Our Literacy and Social Responsibility (L-SR) SIG conference program has always engaged the most dynamic keynote speakers. Children's literature is the vehicle of choice through which Opening Keynoters and noted children's book authors Eve Bunting (The Terrible Things: An Allegory on the Holocaust) and Lynne Cherry (The Great Kapok Tree) have addressed issues of social justice. On more than one occasion, praise for the talent and courage of our keynoters has drawn high praise and much appreciation from a room filled to capacity with conferees. 

In various conference venues, L-SR SIG conferees have tapped to the lyrics and songs of singer, songwriter, and Grammy Award winner John McCuthcheon; waxed poetic with Dixie Goswami; and were ready to march to the Capitol with literacy advocate Patrick Shannon. A more recent keynote address was offered by authors and educational consultants, Alma Flor Ada and Isabel Campoy (our very own!), whose "transformative education" practice suggests that teacher practitioners incorporate reflection to “give voice to life experiences.” A potpourri of Roundtable discussions at the L-SR SIG sessions continues to add an authentically interactive component to an already lively SIG session.

The Closing Keynote address has been a welcome addition to the L-SR SIG program and well received by conference attendees, many of whom remain in the conference room for our business meeting (organized and run by L-SR President, Patricia Dean) at which point they are invited to become active members and perhaps consider a leadership role in our SIG. Unique to IRA and truly a wonderful moment in the life of our Literacy and Social Responsibility SIG was the inclusion of students as recipients of the Literacy and Service Recognition Award in Orlando in May 2011. 

Photo caption: Patrick Shannon presents as keynote speaker at the L-SR SIG session in Orlando, 2011. 

Photo caption: John McCutcheon performs as he discusses Literacy and Social Responsibility at the L-SR SIG session at Chicago 2010.

3. Are there other benefits to joining your SIG?

As a member of the L-SR SIG you will benefit from the opportunity to dialog and exchange ideas with colleagues who are interested in social responsibility and literacy. Under the leadership of ejournal editor, Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell, we offer a peer-reviewed journal and each year, accept submissions for that journal. Reviewers represent a diverse geographical board with a wide variety of expertise, interests, and experience. The submission process is becoming increasingly competitive. Last year, we received 16 submissions and published five manuscripts, approximately a 33% acceptance rate. The most recent call and submission requirements can be downloaded from the link above.

Members also benefit from the opportunity to serve fellow educators by creating strands for display on the L-SR website. For example, Best Literacy Practices with Pro-social Twists is a new instructional strategies project under development as a website strand this year. At least five research-based and highly regarded literacy strategies appropriate for grades four through 12 will be presented in a user friendly format including: Definition, Goals, Teacher Preparation, Instructional Procedures, Prosocial Enhancements, Relevant Common Core Standards, and Further Resources. Please contact L-SR Secretary, Beth Breneman, at bethbreneman@comcast.net for information about the web-based strategies project.

Also, keep in mind that we’re on Facebook! Members can benefit by using Facebook for building their professional communities and for publicizing their publications and projects to a broader audience. Please join us on Facebook and search for "Literacy Responsibility." Our Communications Chair, Ernie Bond, set up the site specifically for our LSR SIG. Log on, check it out, and add your own comments and connections. Not sure how to join Facebook? It’s easy...just go to the website above and follow the instructions. You’ll need an email address and a password. It’s lots of fun!

4. Is there a way to find out more information about your SIG?

All those interested in the IRA Literacy and Social Responsibility SIG are invited to visit the LSR website, created by Web-manager, Kaye West, at www.csulb.edu/misc/l-sr to learn more about the organization. The website includes information about our SIG: past and upcoming programs, resources including reviews of professional and juvenile literature, a list of websites related to the mission of the L-SR SIG, and ways to get involved in our Special Interest Group. 

In addition, every spring prior to the IRA Convention members receive an electronic copy of the L-SR program and update of SIG activities in the annual “Literacy & Social Responsibility Newsletter” thanks to our Newsletter Editor, Susan Speer-Powers. 

Currently, there are no dues for the L-SR SIG, but you must be an up-to-date member of IRA. Please contact Melanie Cohen Goodman, Membership Chair, goodmanm@chc.edu to become a member and learn about volunteer opportunities. 

5. What presenters and topics will be featured at your session in Chicago? 

Program Chair Andrea Karlin has announced two keynote presentations, one by innovative author/illustrator David Geister titled, “Memories and Stories from the Past: Historically Responsible Books for the Present and Future,” and the other by dynamic author/poet Kwame Alexander, “Words Changing Worlds.” In addition, round table discussions will include these topics: “What ARE the Gaps: ELs in Mainstream English Classrooms;” “Not Just Dead White Guys: Using Multi-Genre Writings to Study Overlooked Heros;” “Cinderella’s Prince Who? Looking at Resourceful Females in Multicultural Folk Literature;” “Putting Into Practice: Ecological Literacies for Classroom Instruction;” “Fostering Social Responsibility Through Inquiry;” and “Wiki Writers: Students and Teachers Making Connections Across Communities.”

Please join us in Chicago on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, CC21, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.!   

by Jen Donovan

In honor of its founding members, artist and sculptor Clark B. Fitz-Gerald was commissioned to create a sculpture for the IRA’s headquarters in Newark, DE. 

The sculpture entitled “Syntax” is a bronze frieze wrapping around one entrance to the building.

The late Fitz-Gerald was deeply inspired by nature. After many years of teaching art, he decided to move to Castine, Maine to devote the rest of his days to his craft. Fitz-Gerald was a renowned sculptor of public art pieces and was commissioned by many prominent cities, churches, and universities. For years he supported his family with his art.

The sculpture created for the IRA was finished in 1981. Years passed and the elements had taken their toll on the copper, weathering it to a dull gray -green. The piece, which represented the foundation of the organization, was recently refurbished to highlight and restore Fitz-Gerald’s original vision. The sun now illuminates the copper pieces against the recently-updated maroon background.

“Syntax” resembles a series of symbols somewhat like a primitive language or alphabet. The unique, uneven pieces seem to almost fit together, but not quite. The shapes bring to the mind images of shapes found in nature. An essential part of the IRA’s mission is to promote knowledge of language through the love of reading. “Syntax” is a fusion of Fitz-Gerald’s affinity for nature and the beauty of symbols, letters, and language itself. 

Before

After

Jen Donovan is an intern in the Strategic Communications Department of the International Reading Association. 

The Specialized Literacy Professionals Special Interest Group (SIG) of the International Reading Association (IRA) and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) are conducting a survey to obtain information about the current roles and responsibilities of reading specialists/literacy coaches across the United States. The SIG invites current reading specialists and literacy coaches to complete the online survey by March 21, 2012, at the following URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L7XVFLR

The survey will take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. It is not necessary to be a member of IRA or NCTE to complete the survey. Educators who provide a similar service as a reading specialist or literacy coach but who may not have those specific titles are encouraged to complete the survey.

The purpose for conducting this survey is to provide information to various stakeholders to assist with decision making, including: (a) institutions that prepare reading specialists/literacy coaches, (b) agencies and organizations (International Reading Association, National Council of Teachers of English, State Department of Education) that provide professional development for reading specialists/literacy coaches, (c) policy-makers and legislators, and (d) school districts that employ such professionals. They believe this information will also be helpful to individual reading specialists/literacy coaches who are seeking information about how others function in their schools and recent educational policies (e.g., RTI).

IRA will use the survey data to update the position statement on The Role of the Reading Specialist (2000) and The Reading Coach (2004).

The IRA Specialized Literacy Professionals SIG is chaired by Rita Bean, Professor Emerita, University of Pittsburgh, and Jack Cassidy, Professor Emeritus, Texas A & M, Corpus Christi.

International Literacy Association Position Statements

International Literacy Association Special Interest Groups

International Literacy Association Membership

"Mass Reading" President Nancy Witherell spoke to Reading Today Online about the many exciting council projects, including their April 2012 conference. 

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

The Massachusetts Reading Association is a dynamic, progressive, and goal oriented organization. There are so many projects that Mass Reading is proud to lead or that we are connected with in some way. We have a number of highly active committees; our advocacy committee co-chairs, Evelyn Wall and Cynthia Rizzo, have invited our new Early Education Commissioner Sheri Killins to receive our Advocacy Award at this year’s conference. 

Our Studies and Research Committee Co-chairs, Pamela Mason and Sheelah Sweeny, have just released a white paper entitled “Research-based Practices in Vocabulary Instruction: An Analysis of What Works in Grades PreK-12,” a summary of effective researched-based vocabulary practices that can be found at Resources on www.mass/. We have several committees that are hard at work to foster literacy in Massachusetts and beyond. Our international project, in which MRA, MACURE (Massachusetts Association of College and Reading Educators council), and the Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters have pooled their resources, promotes and maintains adult and family literacy programs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, as opportunities for outreach, service, and research for Massachusetts educators and Rotarians. We have to thank Dr. Ruth Farrar of Bridgewater State University for leading this wonderful effort. Furthermore, our Families and Early Childhood Literacy Committee, co-chaired by Nancy Verdolino and Nancy Clark-Chiarelli, have created a partnership with Horizons for Homeless Children in which we collect and donate books to this organization.

MRA also gives out numerous awards yearly to honor those who work hard for literacy and let them know their efforts are appreciated. We have the Literacy Award for someone who has given outstanding efforts in literacy, the Legislative Award for a politician who has supported literacy in any area, the Exemplary Reading Award for a school that has documented a commendable reading program, and a Literature Award giving to an award winning author. Last year’s recipient was the Newbery Award-winning author Patricia MacLachlan, and this year’s recipient will be Rosemary Wells. We remember our researchers and students through our Sylvia D. Brown Scholarship and Donald L. Landry Scholarship, which offers a lucky winner free registration for our annual conference.

In conclusion, one of the areas in which Mass Reading is most proud is our local councils. They are always busy planning programs and events. The majority of our councils work diligently and tirelessly to gain Honor Council status. This, of course, involves hours of volunteer work either setting up local programs for their council or organizing what is necessary to fulfill minigrant obligations, and other public and professional services to their districts. Our local councils support Mass Reading in multiple ways and are the backbone of our organization.

2. What are the benefits of joining your council? 

Members of Mass Reading can become instantly involved in our social networking sites from friending us on Facebook, tweeting comments and getting tweets, to joining a specialized NING group, such much is always happeNING at MRA. We have numerous benefits, including an annual two-day conference, which this year takes place on April 12 and 13 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel in Sturbridge, MA. Our Conference Chair, Sherry Sausville is busy putting the final touches to what is promising to be one fantastic journey into “Comprehension: Imagine That!” This will be our first conference at which we have been able to offer free wireless connections for all attendees.

We are lucky to have IRA’s Carrice Cummings speaking. Last year, we had the great fortune to have Vicki Risko keynote for us! We have a fall institute every other year in which we try to focus on current issues in literacy education.

Our bi-annual publication, MRA’s Primer is a membership benefit that includes articles of research-based programs and instruction, and reviews of professional and children’s books. Our fall Primer is published calendar style and offers author’s birthdates. We also published our newsletter, The Connection, which keeps our members aware of current MRA and state events. 

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

There are always future projects on our horizon. Board members have begun the planning for our Fall 12 Institute. The Research and Studies committee members are hard at work deciding their next topic; our Diversity Committee is up and running working on its action plan. The planning never stops for our annual conferences; the keynote presenter lineup is well set for our 44th Annual Conference, which will take place on April 4 and 5, 2013 at the Boston Quincy Marriott in Quincy, Massachusetts.

4. How does one join your council?

Simply, join us at www.mass/ or connect through Facebook www.facebook.com/MAreads, or Twitter @mraread. 

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?

We offer much information at our website www.mass/, which our webmaster, Joan Tuttle, diligently updates regularly. Our Conference Administrative Assistant and Vice President, Nancy Meagher will answer any questions. MRA can be reached through our website menu bar under “Contact Us” or e-mail Nancy directly at info@mass/. Please feel free to e-mail the President, Nancy Witherell, at nwitherell@bridgew.edu. Our phone number is 1-877-GROW-MRA (476-9672) The mailing address is MRA, PO Box 426, West Barnstable, MA 02668. 

Photo captions: 

MRA President Nancy Witherall.

Massachusetts Honor Council Recipients from 2010-11 (from left to right): IRA State Coordinator: Terrie Marr; Council Presidents or Representatives: Jean Helstrom, Martha Strachan, Jan Standring, Pamela Mason, Valerie Hytholt, Cathy Salvini, Judy Werner. Missing from photo:  Mary Ellen Caesar, Pamela Lavockin, Lori DiGisi, Sherry Alleman, and Bonnie Standring. 

This year's International Reading Association (IRA) Annual Convention is a professional development event that cannot be missed. Here are a few of the hundreds of informative sessions that deal with "hot topics" effecting reading teachers and specialists. 

LITERACY AND LEARNING

On Tuesday, May 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Michael Grave from the University of Minnesota (Emeritus) and James Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia present Words, Words Everywhere; But Which Ones Do We Teach? Insights from the Multi-faceted, Comprehensive Vocabulary Instructional Program and Beyond. That day at 11:00 a.m., join Deborah Shefren and Sarah Weisberg for The Forgotten Literacy: Importance of Talk in the Primary Grades. 

LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGY

At 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 30, Kristin Ziemke Fastabend from Chicago Public Schools presents The 21st Century Literacy Workshop—Using iPads to promote reading, writing and collaboration in the primary classroom, and Tamie Lynn Pratt-Fartro from the University of Mary Washington and Kristina DeWitt from Liberty University present You Want Me to Blog in PE? A Study of How Adolescents Skillfully Make Connections between In-School Learning and Out-of-School Living at 3:00 p.m. that day.

TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)

Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey from San Diego State University present Implementing RTI with English Learners on Monday, April 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Tuesday, May 1, at 11:00 a.m., come to Enhancing Adolescent English Language Learners’ Literacy and Identity Development through the Approach of Writers’ Workshop with Elizabeth C. Lewis and Lauren M. Amoros from Dickinson College.

ASSESSMENT

Attend Making the Most of Writer’s Workshop: Conferencing with Students Keeping the Common Core in Mind with Sarah Cordova from the Distinctive Educator’s Institute on Monday, April 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Scott Filkins and Christopher Belt from Central High School in Champaign, Illinois, present Using IRA/NCTE Standards for Assessment and the Common Core Standards to Assess Secondary Readers for Learning and Growth on Wednesday, May 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

TEACHING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN READING AND WRITING

On Tuesday, May 1, at 11:00 a.m., join Beth Olshansky from the University of New Hampshire for Picturing Writing: Engaging Diverse Learners by Treating Pictures and Words as Equal Languages for Learning. And on Wednesday, May 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Jauquita Hargus from Texas A&M University-Texarkana speaks about Integrating Reading and Writing: Using Children’s Literature as Model Texts to Study Author’s Craft to Develop Critical Writing Skills. 

These are just a few of the hundreds of sessions at the IRA 57th Annual Convention in Chicago from April 29 through May 2, 2012. Dates and times are subject to change. Visit the Annual Convention itinerary planner/program grid online tool for updated information. For more details or to register, visit www.iraconvention.org. 

This article was printed in the February/March 2012 issue of Reading Today. Click here for more information about viewing the digital versions of Reading Today issues.