Lynda Griblin, President of the California Reading Association (CRA), took some time during the busy end of the school year to share the news about her state council with Reading Today. As well as preparing for their annual Professional Development Institute in October, council members are working on international and local projects.
1. Are you especially proud of any of your council’s projects?
Each year our council contributes to literacy programs in developing countries. This past two years we donated funds to a program in Tanzania which provides books for children.
2. What are the benefits of joining your council?
There are numerous benefits for joining the California Reading Association. First and foremost our members have a network of educators and experts that can directly assist in classroom literacy needs. Through local councils, members attend workshops and presentations by authors and educators in the field of literacy. Annually CRA presents a Professional Development Institute featuring nationally recognized keynote speakers and numerous breakout sessions that address current issues and trends in literacy instruction.
3. Are there any future projects in store for your council?
We are currently in the final phases of planning for the 2012 Professional Development Institute which is being held at Town and Country in San Diego on October 19 and 20. Our keynote speakers include Lori Oczkus and Taffy Raphael. We are very excited as each of our breakout sessions offer two opportunities for attendees to learn more about the Common Core State Standards. We are also in the final planning stages developing a professional lending library that local councils can incorporate into their programs for the year. We understand that in tight budget years many educators are not able to travel to our annual Professional Development Institute. Through the professional lending library local councils will have a rich variety of options to offer their members.
4. How does one join your council?
Joining our council is quite easy. One can join through their local councils, which many people do, especially during local council events. People can also join through the California Reading Association website.
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?
People can find out more about the California Reading Association via our website, www.californiareads.org. We are excited as our Website is currently going through major renovations with a launch date towards the end of this summer.
Literacy professionals attend a regional leadership event held in Redding, California.