Literacy Now

By what criteria can any of the many current proposals for literacy education reform be considered sound? The question is crucial, as the future of the nation’s children is bound up in the quality of the education they receive. To provide a practical perspective on how to answer it, ILA has issued a new white paper entitled “Frameworks for Literacy Education Reform.”

The central tenet of the white paper is that classroom literacy instruction should be grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed research—not politics, ideology, or speculation. “Previous education policies have proven that there are no quick fixes to the challenges facing literacy education,” said D. Ray Reutzel, dean of the College of Education, University of Wyoming, and co-chair of the project team that produced the document.

Rather than settling on a specific reform strategy, the white paper offers frameworks for use in drafting or evaluating reform proposals. The frameworks address four key education sectors: literacy learning and teachers; schools and schooling; student support; and families and communities.

For each sector, the white paper offers a list of research-validated approaches to literacy advancement, which is designed to function as a rubric to inform, refine, and assess reform proposals. In addition, each framework includes a detailed list of supporting sources to facilitate exploration into the underlying research base.

“Research is the differentiator between the reliable and the uncertain in literacy education reform,” said Heather Casey, associate professor, Rider University, the project team’s co-chair. “ILA’s white paper provides a reliable grounding from a research-based perspective.”

ILA developed the white paper in response to today’s complex and evolving education landscape. With an increase in English learners, high-stakes testing, and digital technologies driving new modes of teaching and learning, challenges for the classroom teacher are mounting. The new white paper’s frameworks serve as a high-level rubric school administrators and policymakers can use to create or assess reform proposals.

“We urge communities implementing literacy education reforms to be thoughtful in their approach and use this white paper as a guide to the many decisions that they will face,” said Reutzel. “And when a decision is made on a specific evidence-based approach, stay the course and create stability. It takes time to prepare teachers and have the right specialized literacy professional in place to make sustainable, effective changes.”

In the coming weeks, Literacy Daily will delve deeper into the strategies for each of the education sectors.

Preconference Institutes are a popular ramp-up to the ILA 2016 Conference. This year, we’ll spotlight each of the 15 all-day presentations designed to take a close look into the hottest topics in literacy (other installments will be linked at the bottom of this post). This week, we look at Empowering Students’ Literacy Learning.

Institute 02: Transforming Literacy Instruction With Digital Texts and Tools

Teacher educators and researchers: Get the chance to connect and discuss meaningful methods to engage all learners in this Preconference Institute! This interactive session not only combines research-based strategies for integrating literacy and technology in K–12 classrooms with instructional practices and Web 2.0 tools that promote multiliteracies but also provides theoretical foundations, strategy demonstration, and opportunities for hands-on practice.

This Preconference Institute will use a combination of whole-group, grade-level strands, and small-group breakout sessions. The role multiliteracies play in promoting engagement and inquiry-based reading and writing will encourage sharing and discussion among attendees and presenters. Attendees are invited to bring their own laptops and digital devices.

Institute 04: Cutting-Edge Word Study Practices and Activities to Teach All Students Phonics, Vocabulary, and Spelling

Learn new, research-based word study activities and routines through breakout sessions focused on topics like teaching students to reflect and share their thinking, transforming spelling instruction to teach reading and writing, word study in intervention, word study with English learners, academic vocabulary instruction, word study pre-K–12, and involving parents and families.

Participants will be engaged with nationally recognized literacy researchers and professionals in digital, online, interactive, and hands-on word study activities and explore a variety of topics related to word study and developmentally appropriate literacy instruction. Multimedia presentations will include online games and activities in contrast with dictionary and etymological resources.

The keynotes provide foundational information on word study and the research in orthography and literacy development. Breakout sessions further unpack the theoretical concepts presented in the keynote addresses and provide solid background for educators who wish to examine word study in more depth and implement word study in their classrooms.

Throughout the institute, presenters will discuss a variety of topics guaranteed to pique the interest in word study and familiarize the participants with the developmental approach to phonics, vocabulary, and spelling instruction. Student engagement activities and resources will provide opportunity to scaffold and deepen participants’ understanding of word study. Time will be set aside at the end of each session and at the end of the institute to engage the participants in a discussion where they will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with one another. 

Institute 09: Intentional Literacy: Transforming Reading, Writing, and Teaching With Conscious Choices

As literacy demands become increasingly complex, students need skills to help them sort through the myriad of messages they receive in the modern world. Intentional literacy and voice (the choices readers and writers make as they seek and construct meaning) are central to these skills. In this Preconference Institute, educators will engage with presenters who are committed to changing the way students read, write, and think through three objectives.

A multimedia presentation that includes art and music and group discussions will introduce the concept of intentional literacy and the elements of voice and be used to help participants teach students to identify the elements of voice (diction, detail, imagery, figurative language, syntax, and tone) in grade-appropriate, complex text. Participants will also be able to help students understand the intentionality of crafted writing and how the elements of voice work together.

Then the group will break down according to grade level interest, specifically grades 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12. Participants will learn from experienced teachers how to critically discuss and respond to activities designed to teach deep reading of complex text, the intentional choices authors make as they build meaning, and the ways authors use the elements of voice in their own work. During this part of the institute, attendees will learn to teach intentional literacy and the elements of voice with grade-appropriate text, activities that include focused discussion of craft in difficult text and the modeling of expert writing that helps young writers improve their own practice.

Finally, participants will develop a plan to systematically implement classroom instruction in the elements of voice, the intentional choices authors make as they develop meaning, and techniques to empower students to be more purposeful and creative in their own writing. Presenters will help small groups of participants develop a plan to implement intentional reading, writing, and teaching in their own schools. 

Institute 12: Igniting a Sense of Wonder: Fueling Curiosity, Empowering Learning

Children have a remarkable capacity for wonder—they see the extraordinary in the ordinary and small marvels all around them. When teachers make children’s questions and observations a natural part of every curricular area, they create a world of wonder in the classroom, and learning erupts with literate vigor.

This Preconference Institute will include audience participation through group discussion of content broken down into three objectives. First, to provide techniques to help students from kindergarten onward become reflective learners, researchers, and “generators of wonder” through a number of skills including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Second, to concentrate on authenticity, focusing on written and oral experiences driven by curiosity. Finally, to consider the impact of author perspective and purpose on “wonder” through the eyes of published children’s authors.

Preconference Institutes are an additional cost to conference registration and run simultaneously Friday, July 8. Find out more about the sessions here before they’re sold out.

The ILA 2016 Conference & Exhibits will be July 9–11 in Boston, MA, with more than 6,000 attendees eager to cultivate new teaching practices. With over 300 sessions, including several new additions to the schedule, and the popular Preconference Institutes, the weekend is sure to be a memorable one. Register today for the conference to take advantage of special Early Bird pricing.

The International Literacy Association (ILA) is seeking nominations for its second annual 30 Under 30 list. The list recognizes the literacy leaders of tomorrow—the innovators and disruptors, the visionaries and motivators—who are changing the face of literacy across the globe.

“In 2015, we hand-selected 30 literacy champions from hundreds of nominees for the first-ever 30 Under 30 list. These honorees represent the next generation of literacy leaders who are already making a difference in literacy development around the world,” said Marcie Craig Post, ILA’s executive director. “We’re looking for 30 more literacy champions who are continuing to transform the literacy landscape.”

Nominations are open to educators, administrators, authors, librarians, students, nonprofit leaders, politicians, technology experts, volunteers, and advocates who are under 30 years old (as of Nov. 1, 2016) and are making an extraordinary impact across their communities to advance literacy for all.

If you or someone you know has shown exceptional commitment to advancing literacy, ILA invites you to complete a short form. All nominations must be received by May 16, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Each honoree will be featured in the September/October issue of Literacy Today, ILA’s bi-monthly magazine, and across ILA’s social channels. Each honoree will also receive a complimentary one-year ILA Online Membership and be recognized at the ILA 2017 Conference & Exhibits.

The 30 Under 30 list debuted in 2015 to honor rising literacy champions around the globe. See the inaugural class here.
Questions? E-mail 30under30@reading.org.

Preconference Institutes are a popular ramp-up to the ILA 2016 Conference. This year, we’ll spotlight each of the 15 all-day presentations designed to take a close look into the hottest topics in literacy (other installments will be linked at the bottom of this post). This week, we look at Discovering & Nurturing Skills of All Learners.

Institute 08: Accelerating and Extending Literacy for Diverse Students: DISCOVER the Strengths of All Learners

Explore the needs and strengths of struggling readers who are culturally and linguistically diverse students in this Preconference Institute. Learn about DISCOVER, a performance assessment based on Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, and participate in hands-on breakout sessions on differentiation, digital literacy, and building strong home–school partnerships.

This Preconference Institute will use a variety of delivery methods: a series of keynote addresses, interactive breakout sessions, and a panel discussion. Participants will explore topics of interest to their work and learn more about the use of culturally responsive teaching to differentiate, accelerate, and extend the literacy of culturally and linguistically diverse students; examine the role of motivation in differentiating literacy instruction and the importance of building a strong home–school interface with meaningful parent involvement with diverse learners; and examine the role of digital technology in building content knowledge and in developing and nurturing talent and potential in diverse learners. 

Institute 10: Learning Differences: The What, When, and How of Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Executive Functioning Disorders

Delve into dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and difficulties with executive functioning through a learning disability simulation and expert-hosted roundtable discussions in this Preconference Institute. Discover research-based interventions for students who struggle with learning disabilities, and get strategies to help students manage their learning differences.

Presenters from the Dyslexia Training Institute will begin with the Dyslexia for a Day simulation. Additional simulations will relate to reading/decoding, writing, and processing speed. Each simulation will last 5–10 minutes, and there will be a debriefing process with participant reactions as well as practical information about dyslexia. 

Presenters will share information about the neural signature of dyslexia and signs and symptoms of dyslexia in addition to discussing and investigating dyslexia screening tools. Further, appropriate research-based intervention for students with dyslexia will be presented through multimedia presentations, instructional videos, and opportunities to practice new strategies. 

Preconference Institutes are an additional cost to conference registration and run simultaneously Friday, July 8. Find out more about the sessions here before they’re sold out.

The ILA 2016 Conference & Exhibits will be July 9–11 in Boston, MA, with more than 6,000 attendees eager to cultivate new teaching practices. With over 300 sessions, including several new additions to the schedule, and the popular Preconference Institutes, the weekend is sure to be a memorable one. Register today for the conference to take advantage of special Early Bird pricing.

Preconference Institutes are a popular ramp-up to the ILA 2016 Conference. This year, we’ll spotlight each of the 15 all-day presentations designed to take a close look into the hottest topics in literacy (other installments will be linked at the bottom of this post). This week, we look at Boosting Secondary-Level Engagement & Comprehension.

Institute 03: Who’s Doing the Work? Teaching for Transfer Across Read-Aloud, Shared Reading, Guided Reading, and Independent Reading

This Preconference Institute will explore the connections between read-aloud, shared reading, guided reading, and independent reading, as well as “next generation” lessons for each context. Additionally, research will investigate mind-set, student engagement, text level, and teacher language to evaluate when they do (and do not) help students develop efficient processes and enthusiasm for reading.

Attendees will make the most of hands-on formats, with just two brief, formal presentations before jumping into a series of breakout sessions to collaborate with colleagues in small groups to process and apply content. Short video demonstrations will bridge the gap between learning the reading strategies and preparing to take those lessons back to the classroom.

Institute 06: Supporting Adolescents to Meet the Literacy Challenges of the 21st Century

Gain a better understanding of the current demands of 21st-century literacy and practical, research-based strategies to prepare adolescent learners to meet them in this Preconference Institute. Interactive keynote presentations and breakout sessions facilitated by experienced researchers and practitioners will provide opportunities to collaborate, explore the latest research, and connect the research to effective practice.

The coupling of the theory and research will be followed by opportunities to learn about and design classroom applications in smaller groups. Participants will leave with solid understandings of three topics: Meeting the Literacy Demands of the 21st-Century, Supporting Struggling Adolescent Readers, and Engaging Adolescents with Reading and Writing. Participants can follow a single topic all day or choose breakout sessions across strands.

This Preconference Institute is a joint effort of the Adolescent Literacy Committee of ILA and the Secondary Reading Interest Group, each of which will bring diverse and valuable experience to codesign and present this topic.

Institute 13: Using Informational Text to Enhance Literacy and Collaboration Across Disciplines

The CCSS makes literacy everyone’s responsibility, which is both a daunting challenge and a valuable opportunity. This Preconference Institute shows participants how to use resources like CommonLit to find engaging informational texts, offers two practical models for using informational text to enhance literacy and engagement (participants will use one model to begin developing a unit), and suggests strategies for collaboration with colleagues across disciplines.

Models and resources will be presented through multimedia presentations and hands-on activities.

Breakout sessions with individual and small-group coaching from the presenters will address a number of classroom issues including identifying challenges, opportunities, and strategies for collaborating with colleagues in other disciplines; using online resources to find high-quality, engaging informational texts that are deeply and meaningfully connected to their existing literary or content-area curriculum; and drafting meaningful essential questions that invite students to think about what they read and to make connections with other texts and relevant content-area knowledge. 

Preconference Institutes are an additional cost to conference registration and run simultaneously Friday, July 8. Find out more about the sessions here before they’re sold out.

The ILA 2016 Conference & Exhibits will be July 9–11 in Boston, MA, with more than 6,000 attendees eager to cultivate new teaching practices. With over 300 sessions, including several new additions to the schedule, and the popular Preconference Institutes, the weekend is sure to be a memorable one. Register today for the conference to take advantage of special Early Bird pricing.