Institute 1: Next Steps in the Implementation of Common Standards
Reading Today Online asked all of the institute chairpersons for IRA San Antonio to respond to three questions designed to give our readers and all of the prospective attendees a better understanding of the insights and benefits they will gain from attending these day-long programs. Below are responses from Linda Gambrell and Susan Neuman, institute chairs and editors of IRA's Reading Reseach Quarterly journal.
What is the professional urgency that this institute is designed to address?
This institute will focus on key issues related to the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Leading researchers will address topics that include close reading, text complexity, at-risk populations, academic literacy, reading motivation, and the importance of collaboration and discussion in literacy teaching and learning.
What types of literacy professionals is the Institute designed for?
This institute is designed for a broad range of educators—classroom teachers, reading teachers, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, and administrators—who are interested in furthering their understanding of the role of the CCSS in improving literacy instruction for all students.
How will attendance at this Institute help those literacy professionals "make a difference" in their work?
The Common Core Standards are indeed compelling and complex. This institute is designed for educators who want to further their understanding of how implementation of the CCSS, using evidenced-based instructional practices, has the potential to increase student reading proficiency and achievement.
Registration Information: This preconference institute will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19 before the 58th International Reading Association Annual Convention begins on Saturday, April 20. Register online for this or another institute and/or to register for the annual convention. Call 888-294-9167 or 415-979-2278 to find out how to register by phone, fax, or mail. To learn more about convention events in San Antonio, visit the annual convention website and the online itinerary planner (iPlanner), or read more Reading Today annual convention articles.