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    IRA Takes Positions on High-Stakes Assessments, Leisure Reading

    by April Hall
     | Jul 02, 2014
    The International Reading Association (IRA) released two statements recently to update the organization’s positions on vital literacy issues—the use of high-stakes assessments for high school graduation and grade retention decisions and the benefits of leisure reading for students.

    IRA Takes Positions on High-Stakes Assessments, Leisure ReadingThe position statement on high stakes assessment expresses concern about the "overemphasis" on these assessments for both student and teacher evaluation, and Dr. Jill Lewis-Spector, IRA President and task force chair, notes this has led to a considerable amount of test prep rather than student learning.

    “Further, effective classroom teachers know the unique needs of each student,” she said. “When they have the freedom to address these through authentic and engaging experiences building upon each student’s talents and developing students’ multiple literacies, the learning is deeper and more meaningful.”

    The impact of grade retention and withholding diplomas from high school students has been short-term gains, at best, but the Rand Corporation’s 2009 review of studies showed virtually no evidence of academic improvement, said Lewis-Spector, professor emerita of literacy education at New Jersey City University. In the case of high school students, withholding graduation seems to increase the likelihood that student will drop out of school completely, to say nothing of the stress and helpless feelings students experience when facing “failure.”

    It is the position of IRA that a number of measures, including informal observations, formative assessments of schoolwork and consideration of out-of literacies should be factored into decisions, in addition to standardized formal measures. Teachers, students and their families should also have input before retention or graduation decisions are made.

    To shape future discussion of assessments, IRA recommends professional development of assessment strategies for teachers and an open dialog between administrators and professional literacy groups, including IRA.

    “Our members are knowledgeable about literacy instruction, well-versed in related research, and contribute to our knowledge base through their research and writing,” Lewis-Spector said. “We encourage school administrators and other school leaders who may not be as knowledgeable about literacy development and instruction to be guided by IRA’s publications as well as the research our members have done and the positions our organization takes on topics of such importance as this one.”

    IRA Takes Positions on High-Stakes Assessments, Leisure ReadingIn a separate position statement, IRA encouraged the use of “leisure reading” whenever possible for students. The freedom of choice in books stimulates comprehension, vocabulary, general knowledge, and a lifelong motivation to read.

    “When there is choice, students are more likely to read books that interest them, and thus, feel a sense of commitment to reading them,” said IRA Board member Shelley Stagg Peterson, corresponding author of the statement. “In my experience, it is difficult to find one book that is of interest to a group of 25 individuals, whether they are children, young adults or adults.”
    Offering different book selections in one classroom is a benefit, not only in student exposure to a wide variety of material, but also for the student who will summarize a book for classmates. New ideas and emotional responses will be shared, said Stagg Peterson, a professor of literacy at the University of Toronto.

    “Children can explore ideas by talking with others,” she said. “There might be something that doesn’t quite fit with their views of the world and they need to mull over the ideas and get input from others to make sense of it.

    “The pleasure that they experience is deepened when others show excitement or other strong emotional responses to the books.”

    Technology can facilitate discussion outside of the classroom via chat groups. E-readers also allow students to take notes on the books and consult annotated lists and glossaries for the books.
    For the leisure reading statement, IRA partnered with the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

    April Hall is editor of Reading Today Online. You can reach her through e-mail (ahall@/) or Twitter (@mediaapril).


    The International Reading Association (IRA) released two statements recently to update the organization’s positions on vital literacy issues—the use of high-stakes assessments for high school graduation and grade retention decisions and the...Read More
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    'RT' and 'JAAL' Editor Searches Open August 1

    by Sara Long
     | Jul 01, 2014
    The Reading Teacher cover

    Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy cover

    Beginning August 1, 2014, the International Reading Association will accept applications for the editorships of The Reading Teacher (RT) and the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy (JAAL). These prestigious editorships function as two-person teams of either two coeditors or one editor with one associate editor. These volunteer positions have six-year terms: The first year overlaps with the final year of the current editorship, and the subsequent years constitute the volumes for which the new editors provide material.

    Editor searches open: August 1, 2014
    Application deadline: October 15, 2014
    Term: June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2021
    Volumes: RT 70–74, publishing July 2016–May 2021; JAAL 60–64, publishing July 2016–May 2021

    RT is the leading peer-reviewed journal for educators of literacy learners up to age 12. Its special emphasis is primary and elementary classroom instruction, and its readership consists of school-based educators, university researchers and scholars, literacy consultants, administrators, and policymakers.

    JAAL is the leading peer-reviewed journal for educators of literacy learners ages 12 and older. The journal reflects current theory, research, and practice in support of effective literacy instruction. Readership includes middle school, secondary, and postsecondary classroom teachers; university researchers and scholars; literacy consultants; administrators; and policymakers.

    Applicants must be members of IRA, recognized experts in the field of literacy education of learners in the journal’s intended age group, and demonstrate a commitment to translating sound research to practice.

    More information and application instructions will be available at / when the searches open August 1. 

    Beginning August 1, 2014, the International Reading Association will accept applications for the editorships of The Reading Teacher (RT) and the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy (JAAL). These prestigious editorships function...Read More
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    IRA Annual Conference Quick Links

    by Sara Long
     | May 07, 2014

    IRA Conference LogoIt’s finally here! The International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana from May 9-12. Here are some useful resources for you as you navigate the greatest event of the year!

    Useful Links

    Helpful Reading Today Online Articles

    Sara Long is a content manager at the International Reading Association.

    It’s finally here! The International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana from May 9-12. Here are some useful resources for you as you navigate the greatest event of the year! Useful Links ...Read More
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    Digital Classroom: A New Exhibit Hall Experience

    by Wes Ford
     | May 06, 2014
    Steelcase eno interactive whiteboard
    The Digital Classroom will have a Steelcase
    eno interactive whiteboard like the one shown here

    Regular conference goers will see a new feature at the International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference in New Orleans: the Digital Classroom.

    In partnership with Steelcase Educational Solutions and myON Reader, the Digital Classroom is a small presentation space away from the formal meeting rooms and sessions, smack right in the middle of the excitement of the Exhibit Hall (Booth #1010 to be exact)—and with good reason. Digital Classroom sessions are not your typical fare. They are short, 20-minute presentations focusing on technology tools for the classroom.

    The Digital Classroom is playing host to a myriad of presentations across the three days that the Exhibit Hall is open (Saturday, May 10 to Monday, May 12). Session topics are varied, from a daily presentation of digital tools on IRA’s own ReadWriteThink.org site to exploring the classroom potential of myON Reader to learning how the Literacy Learning Exchange can help build team collaboration.

    Short and sweet, these sessions are designed to inform and inspire. Many of the sessions are presented by actual classroom teachers who want to share their successes and their resources with fellow educators. This space is designed to combine the learning potential of the conference session with the energy and excitement of the exhibit hall to create an enticing, fun experience for all attendees.

    Sessions

    The Digital Classroom has a full and varied schedule through the days the Exhibit Hall is open. Keeping track of all the events and sessions can be a challenge, but don’t worry, just grab the IRA 2014 Conference App (downloadable for iOS and Android devices) to help keep you organized.

    Open the app, click on “Sessions,” and then sort by day. Type “digital classroom” into the search field; this will filter the list to make it easier to find the session you want. All of the Digital Classroom sessions are labeled as such just before the session title. Clicking on the star icon to the left of the session title will add that session to your itinerary. (Note: These short sessions can only be added to itineraries in the app, not on the online iPlanner).

    Here is a list of all the Digital Classroom sessions and times. Full descriptions of sessions can be found in the Conference App.

    Saturday

    • 10:00–10:20 Using ReadWriteThink.org Tools to Engage Your Students
    • 10:40–11:00 Kipp Academy Students Share Reading Success 
    • 11:20­–11:40 eno...Giving You Even More Teachable Moments
    • 1:00–1:20 Jumpstart Your In-School PD With the Literacy in Learning Exchange
    • 1:40–2:00 Learning About Natural Resources Through Technology:  Bridges to Understanding
    • 2:20–2:40 Lift Off to Literacy: International Literacy Day 2014
    • 3:00–3:20 Connect Digital Reading to Instruction
    • 3:40­­–4:00 What's in Your Classroom Library?
    • 4:20-4:40 eno...Giving You Even More Teachable Moments

    Sunday

    • 10:00–10:20 Using ReadWriteThink.org Tools to Engage Your Students
    • 10:40­–11:00 Where Will You Take Your Reading?
    • 11:20–11:40 Twitter-a-ture: Creating Content and Connections Using Twitter
    • 1:00–1:20 Jumpstart Your In-School PD With the Literacy in Learning Exchange
    • 1:40–2:00 Tech-enomics:  Technology Connections in an IRA Bridges Economics Unit for Grades 3–5
    • 2:20–2:40 Lift Off to Literacy: International Literacy Day 2014
    • 3:00–3:20 Getting to the Core of Instruction Through Close Reading
    • 3:40–4:00 myON: MAGIC INSIDE-METRICS INCLUDED!
    • 4:20-4:40 eno...Giving You Even More Teachable Moments

    Monday

    • 10:00–10:20 Using ReadWriteThink.org Tools to Engage Your Students
    • 10:40–11:00 Personalize the Reading Experience
    • 11:20­–11:40 eno...Giving You Even More Teachable Moments

    Our Sponsors

    The Digital Classroom is a joint project through IRA’s partners Steelcase Educational Solutions and myON Reader.

    Steelcase has been an industry leader in furniture and technology for over 100 years and has a robust line of educational solutions, which brings their understanding of efficient and effective workspace design into the classroom setting. They are providing a Polyvision eno Interactive Whiteboard for use during the Digital Classroom sessions, a working example of technology integration into the educational setting. To learn about the digital whiteboard specifically, come to any of the eno sessions in the Digital Classroom.

    myON is a complete literacy solution that reinvents student reading. Offering over 7,000 books online, myON tracks student reading, offer suggestions based on previous experiences and recommendations, and tracks student progress through a variety of metrics. To find out more about myON Reader, come by the Digital Classroom for one of their presentations. You can find their sessions and times by filtering the session list using the term “myON” (one word, no quotes).

    Wes Ford is an associate editor at the International Reading Association. 

    The Digital Classroom will have a Steelcase eno interactive whiteboard like the one shown here Regular conference goers will see a new feature at the International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference in New Orleans: the Digital...Read More
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    Show Your Badge for Delicious Deals

    by Chelsea Simens
     | May 05, 2014

    Whether you’re soaking up historic sites in the French Quarter or checking out the art scene in the Warehouse District you’re never far from fantastic food in “N’Awlins.” From its cultural blending of Cajun, Creole, Haitain, and French foods, New Orleans has emerged as a top food destination. While you’re down South make sure to try NOLA favorites such as crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, seafood gumbo, and red beans and rice. Overwhelmed by amazing options? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re helping you make the most out of your visit by offering exclusive deals. Show your badge from the International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference at any of the restaurants below prior to ordering and take advantage of these special offers.

    Although the French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in NOLA these restaurants always feel like a new experience. Bourbon Street is hopping with live music and great eats so make sure you make the most of it by eating at the Hard Rock Café, located at 125 Bourbon Street and receive $5 off a $25 purchase when you show your IRA 2014 badge. If you’re fishing around for good seafood, you have to swing on by the award-winning Red Fish Grill, located at 115 Bourbon Street, for a complimentary glass of specially selected wine with the purchase of a dinner entrée.* You can also reel in a great deal at Poppy's Time Out and the Crazy Lobster in the Spanish Plaza near Port of New Orleans and enjoy a free fried pickle appetizer with the purchase of an entrée. If you believe that shrimp is the fruit of the sea then you have to go to Bubba Gump, located at 429 Decatur Street. Receive a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of two entrees when you show your IRA 2014 badge.

    Falling in love with those French Quarter favorites is easy, but don’t spend all your time there. Check out the Warehouse District as well for some great deals! Make sure you head on over to the Sun Ray Grill at 1051 Annunciation Street and enjoy a free bottle of house wine with two entrees. Choosing what to eat might be difficult with unique selections such as Goat Cheese Fritters, Crawfish Bruschetta, and Hoke Poke.

    The International Reading Association 59th Annual Conference will be held Friday, May 9 through Monday, May 12, 2014 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Visit www.iraconference.org for conference details or to register. 

    *Offer valid at dinner only. Not available with any other promotional offer. No cash value. Limit one offer per table. Expires May 13, 2014.

    Chelsea Simens is a strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.

    Whether you’re soaking up historic sites in the French Quarter or checking out the art scene in the Warehouse District you’re never far from fantastic food in “N’Awlins.” From its cultural blending of Cajun, Creole, Haitain, and French foods,...Read More
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