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    AI as an Ally: Enhancing Education While Upholding Integrity

    By Amber Spears
     | Oct 01, 2024

    PathwaysAndOfficeHours_w680This article is the first in a series that will explore AI, particularly the topics of how it can foster student agency, cultivate a love of reading that celebrates cultural diversity, and support multilingual learners in literacy instruction.

    I vividly recall the first time I encountered artificial intelligence (AI). I was teaching a class called “The Literacy Professional” when one of my students, a high school English language arts teacher at the time, expressed deep concerns about the potential impact of AI on student integrity. There was widespread fear that AI would lead to rampant plagiarism and cheating, making it impossible to detect academic dishonesty. The stigma surrounding AI was intense, with many educators alarmed at the prospect of students no longer doing their own work.

    Intrigued, I decided to explore how AI could be used and quickly realized its potential to enhance my life by increasing work productivity. Despite some initial trepidation, I decided to test AI at home. I provided ChatGPT—a chatbot that users can interact with as if they’re communicating with a human—with a list of the main ingredients in my pantry and refrigerator, my dietary preferences, and my family size, and asked it to create a week’s worth of nutrient-dense meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that all take under 30 minutes to prepare. I was astonished at how quickly the tool generated meal plans that we enjoyed, catered to our preferences, and efficiently used up the groceries I had on hand. It saved both time and money, and from that moment, I was hooked.

    Addressing educator concerns

    Many teachers are reluctant to use AI as a generative tool for work, often due to ethical concerns. How much can you rely on AI and still consider the work your own? There's also the worry about unanticipated/unintended consequences, such as the potential for AI to undermine job security—all valid concerns indicative of the uncertainty many educators feel about the role AI will play in their profession.

    I want to share something my boss said during a recent faculty meeting that has really resonated with me: “You shouldn’t worry about AI taking your job, but you should worry about the person who is actively integrating and using AI. They are the ones that will take your job!”

    So, my argument becomes this: Let's learn to use AI in ways that support our personal and professional lives while maintaining ethical standards.

    Discovering AI’s potential

    Reflecting on my time as a master’s student, I remember conducting research by going to the library, handwriting lists of topics, using card catalogs to locate physical copies of papers, and spending hours reading to find the necessary literature. I’m grateful that those days are behind us, as computers can now perform those searches for us.

    Just as technology has transformed the way we conduct research, it has also opened new possibilities for enhancing our educational practices. Similarly, the rise of generative AI presents countless opportunities for innovation in education. To illustrate, I share a few practical applications of AI across different educational settings.

    Higher education:

    • Standard-aligned rubrics: Create rubrics tailored to specific learning objectives and standards.
    • Case study generation: Develop case studies to help preservice teachers learn to apply literacy topics in real-life scenarios.
    • Quiz/test question creation: Generate diverse and challenging questions for assessments.
    • Content summaries: Provide simplified explanations of complex topics.
      Example: “Explain the science of reading as if I’m a sixth grader, highlighting the most critical components and why they are important. Provide examples of what it is and isn’t, and how teachers can apply it in a second-grade classroom.”
    • Decodable text lists: Generate lists of decodable texts that support specific phonics skills.

    K–12 education:

    • Standard-aligned rubrics: Customize rubrics to meet the standards of your classroom.
    • Critical thinking questions: Develop higher-order thinking questions for advanced readers.
    • Scaffolds and supports: Create tailored supports for developing readers.
    • Family communication: Draft email responses and newsletters for families.

    These AI tools are designed to enhance the teaching process, saving valuable time while ensuring that tasks such as creating rubrics, developing questions, and communicating with families are handled efficiently. When used thoughtfully and ethically, they help educators streamline their work and maximize their impact in the classroom and allow teachers to focus more on what truly matters: engaging with students and fostering their growth.

    Final considerations

    As I have introduced, AI offers a range of tools that can greatly enhance teaching, from streamlining routine tasks to generating new instructional materials. However, as with any powerful tool, it's crucial to approach AI thoughtfully and ethically. The following are a few points of consideration: 

    • AI thrives in conversation: AI is most effective when used interactively, allowing for dynamic exchanges that can enrich our work.
    • AI isn’t perfect: Although AI can save time and enhance productivity, it’s not infallible. Users will need to cross-check AI-generated content with reliable sources to ensure accuracy and integrity.
    • Give credit where it’s due: Just as we teach our students the importance of academic honesty, we too must acknowledge the role AI plays in our work by citing it appropriately. To learn more about correct citations, visit resources such as the APA manual or Grammarly.
    • Explore tools that enhance your teaching: There are many tools out there, including Khanmigo, Quizlet, Canva, or MagicSchool AI, which can support various aspects of teaching while allowing educators to focus on the human elements that technology can’t replace.

    These considerations remind us that the ethical implications of AI use are just as significant as the practical benefits. Just as we've integrated spell checkers and search engines such as Google into our daily lives—both of which are forms of AI—the key lies in how we use these tools.

    Whether your goal is to communicate more effectively, create with greater efficiency, or save time, we must always ask ourselves: Are we taking rightful credit for what we produce, or are we acknowledging the tools that helped us get there?

    By keeping these questions in mind, and embracing AI as a supportive tool, we can optimize our efforts, save time and, ultimately, provide our students with the best possible learning experience.

    Amber Spears is an associate professor of literacy methods at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN. She is the executive director of the Elinor Ross CDF Freedom School and the immediate past chair of the Literacy Association of Tennessee. An ILA member since 2015, she has had a nearly two-decade career dedicated to advancing literacy education in her community.

    Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed in blog posts on this website are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of ILA. We have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in blog posts but do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of such information.

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    Using Reading Assessments to Empower Teachers and Students

    Laurie Elish-Piper, Mona W. Matthews, and Victoria J. Risko,
     | Sep 12, 2024

    ObservingYoungReadersAndWriters_680wAre you a classroom teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, or curriculum leader who is frustrated with the limitations and challenges of reading assessment? We believe that reading assessments are more than just tools for measuring student progress—they are essential for planning and guiding effective instruction to address each student's unique needs, strengths, and backgrounds.

    Reading assessments often evoke thoughts of standardized tests and end-of-unit exams, but they can be so much more. Formative reading assessments are not merely periodic evaluations; they are integral to the learning process itself. These assessments provide ongoing insights into students' reading abilities, needs, and progress, allowing educators to adjust their teaching strategies in real-time. Unlike summative assessments, which measure what students have learned at the end of a unit or term, formative assessments are embedded within daily instruction. This continuous feedback loop supports immediate improvements and tailored teaching approaches. And because they are situated within instruction and continued over time, these assessments have strong reliability (providing data consistently over time on targeted goals) and validity (implementing authentic measures of the target goals). Achievement gains are improved dramatically when teachers increase the reliability and validity of assessments embedded in their instruction.

    During our upcoming ILA Webinar: Using Reading Assessments to Empower Teachers and Students on September 19, we will frame four main concepts:

    Assessment needs to be integrated into daily instruction

    Rather than relying on tests and end-of-unit measures, assessments should be woven into regular classroom practices. This approach provides timely and actionable data, helping teachers to tailor their instruction based on real-time feedback. By incorporating assessments into daily activities, teachers can better understand students' strengths and areas for improvement, leading to more personalized and effective teaching strategies.

    Assessments need to account for reading’s complexity

    Reading is a multifaceted skill that involves various cognitive processes, from decoding words to comprehending complex texts. Effective reading assessments must reflect this complexity by capturing a range of data points. This includes not only students' reading levels but also their engagement, fluency, and comprehension. Additionally, assessments should consider the whole child—acknowledging their cultural backgrounds, lived experiences, and personal interests. By accounting for these factors, educators can gain a more comprehensive understanding of each student’s reading development.
    Learn more about these concepts; attend the upcoming ILA Webinar:
    Using Reading Assessments to Empower Teachers and Students
    , presented by Laurie Elish-Piper, Mona W. Matthews,  and Victoria J. Risko.

    September 19 | 5:00–6:30 PM ET
    Register now!

     

    Assessments need to address visibility and inclusivity

    Assessments should not only guide what teachers need to do but also illuminate students' experiences and identities. This visibility ensures that teachers' decisions are informed by students' personal contexts, leading to more empathetic and responsive instruction. For students, being involved in the assessment process can boost their engagement and motivation, as they see their own progress and understand how they can grow.

    Assessments need to enhance accuracy and engagement

    Accurate assessments are crucial for tracking students' progress and identifying their needs. Engaging students in the assessment process, by involving them in setting goals, reflecting on their progress, and understanding their learning path, can lead to significant improvements in achievement. When students are active participants in their learning journey, they are more likely to take ownership of their progress and strive for improvement.

    Conclusion

    Reading assessments are more than just a tool for measuring student progress—they are a powerful means of enhancing instruction and supporting student growth. By integrating formative assessments into daily classroom practices, accounting for the complexity of reading, and ensuring that both teachers and students are visible in the process, educators can create a more dynamic and responsive learning environment.

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    ILA Partners With Smartbrief to Launch Weekly Newsletter

    By ILA Staff
     | Sep 11, 2024

    The International Literacy Association (ILA) announced today a new weekly newsletter in partnership with SmartBrief: ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning SmartBrief. Debuting today, the newsletter aims to be a vital resource for literacy professionals worldwide, providing curated content on the latest developments in literacy education and research.

    The mission of ILA—a professional membership organization for literacy educators, researchers and advocates across 128 countries—is to connect research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe. Among the top priorities of the organization’s strategic plan is to provide more low-cost and free resources to educators around the world.

    This partnership with SmartBrief represents a significant step in fulfilling both that promise and the ILA mission.

    ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning is a free resource designed to keep literacy educators, researchers, and advocates informed about the most critical news and trends in literacy education. The newsletter will feature expertly curated content from a variety of news sources on global literacy news, advocacy efforts, research-based instruction, inclusive teaching and learning, and literacy leadership news, in addition to the latest updates from ILA.

    “We are so pleased to be partnering with SmartBrief on our Literacy Teaching & Learning newsletter,” said ILA Executive Director Nicola Wedderburn. “Our team has long been a fan of the SmartBrief format, and we’re excited to offer this new, convenient way to help our audience stay informed on what’s happening in the field.”

    SmartBrief is the leading digital media publisher of targeted business news and insights by industry. They leverage technology and editorial expertise to curate and deliver the most relevant industry news in partnership with leading trade associations, professional societies, nonprofits, and corporations.

    Anyone interested in subscribing to stay up to date on the latest in research and practice can sign up for free at: ILA Literacy Teaching & Learning SmartBrief

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    International Literacy Association Releases 2024 Edition of Children’s Rights to Read Advocacy Manual

    By ILA Staff
     | Sep 09, 2024

    In recognition of International Literacy Day, the International Literacy Association (ILA) announced today the next phase of its Children’s Rights to Read campaign, an initiative that continues ILA’s mission of promoting equitable access to literacies among individuals of all ages and diverse communities as a basic human right and a matter of social justice.

    Children’s Rights to Read—which advocates for every child, everywhere, to have access to the education, opportunities and resources they need to read and be successful—was first launched in 2018. The list of 10 rights, including the right to diverse texts that offer opportunities for students to see authentic versions of themselves and others and the right to extended time set aside for reading, has been translated into 16 languages and has inspired similar campaigns around the world (such as the European Declaration of Digital Literacy as a Basic Right of Children).

    Childrens-Rights-to-Read-Advocacy-Manual This new phase—anchored by a 2024 edition of ILA’s Advocating for Children’s Rights to Read manual—aims to reignite global engagement with an emphasis on small-scale advocacy efforts. The manual provides actionable strategies for a range of audiences—everyone from classroom teachers and reading specialists to librarians and policymakers. The included “Take Action” planning templates encourage literacy partners at all levels to look at what steps they can take to become even more effective advocates for children’s rights in their communities.

    “The Children’s Rights to Read initiative underscores our commitment to literacy as a fundamental human right and also empowers communities to take meaningful action in support of every child’s right to read,” said J. Helen Perkins, president of ILA’s Board of Directors and professor emerita of literacy at University of Memphis in Tennessee. “I am deeply committed to strengthening ILA's advocacy efforts, and the Children’s Rights to Read campaign is a perfect example of how we can make a significant impact.”

    In addition to the manual, ILA has reintroduced a pledge to support Children’s Rights to Read, inviting educators, policymakers, literacy advocates, and community members to reaffirm their commitment to the 10 fundamental rights. To expand the campaign’s reach, signers are also invited to take the pledge and manual directly into their schools, communities and professional networks. Activating these signers as volunteers will play a crucial role in advocating for and protecting Children’s Rights to Read at the grassroots level.

    “We are thrilled to bring new energy to our Children’s Rights to Read campaign,” said Nicola Wedderburn, executive director of ILA. “Literacy is the cornerstone not only of education but also of equity and social justice, and our renewed efforts will empower educators and advocates to work toward a world where every child can exercise their right to read.”

    To learn more about Children’s Rights to Read or how to get involved, visit: literacyworldwide.org/rightstoread 

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    Finding Nonfiction

    By ILA Staff
     | Aug 30, 2024
    JoysOfTeachingLiterature_680

    During their ILA Webinar From Facts to Fascination: Using Nonfiction to Drive Curriculum and Enthusiasm, speakers Patricia Newman and Kirsten W. Larson (find her on all social media as @KirstenWLarson) shared how effective nonfiction can be at engaging young readers. This naturally leads to the question: Where can I find high-quality nonfiction books to bring into my classroom?

    Larson, who has a newsletter you can sign up for, provided a list of some of her sources.

    Blogs

    Celebrate Nonfiction blog by Melissa Stewart. Her posts include topics such as "15 Favorite STEM Books of 2023" and the "Sibert Smackdown," a mock Sibert activity.

    A Fuse Eight Production blog by Betsy Bird. Though not exclusively about nonfiction, librarian Betsy Bird has a heart for truly excellent nonfiction. She has an end-of-year, 31 Days, 31 Lists feature, which always includes nonfiction lists.

    You can still watch the on-demand recording of From Facts to Fascination: Using Nonfiction to Drive Curriculum and Enthusiasm and learn all about the different categories and styles of nonfiction.

    Register now!

     

    Book awards

    Check out these book awards, listed by the month the awards are given, for quality nonfiction titles:

    Databases

    Junior Library Guild - The Junior Library Guild puts its gold seal on some amazing nonfiction books. TeachingBooks.net and Junior Library Guild maintain a searchable database of books you can sort by year and category.

    Year-end best books lists

    Many of the review publications and large public libraries put out annual "best books" lists in November/December; here are a few of the major ones:

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