Literacy Now

Pre-conference institutes at the International Reading Association’s upcoming Annual Convention in San Antonio offer valuable opportunities to delve into literacy education topics in depth. The 19 full-day institutes and the special session for council leaders scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2013 feature hands-on professional development from panels of field experts as well as chances to network and learn from fellow educators from across the country and around the world.

Institutes are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. Interested educators can register for an institute in conjunction with full-conference registration or can register for just the one-day institute. Below is the list of available institutes as of January 9, 2013. For more information about the institutes, including cancellations, visit the iPlanner program grid for Friday, April 19. Visit www.iraconvention.org for details on registration, housing, the convention program, and more.

The Institutes

Institute 1: Reading Research 2013: Next Steps in the Implementation of Common Standards

This Institute will feature key issues in the implementation of the Common Core. There will be sessions on text complexity, at-risk populations, and the focus and importance of collaboration and discussion. Presenters: Susan B. Neuman, University of Michigan; Laura Justice, Ohio State University; Linda Gambrell, Clemson University; Peter Afflerbach, University of Maryland; Stephanie Al Otaiba; Janice F. Almasi, University of Kentucky; Camille Blachowicz, National Louis University; Gina Cervetti, University of Colorado; Anne Cunningham, University of California, Berkeley; Virginia Goatley, University at Albany; John Guthrie, University of Maryland; Peter Johnston, University at Albany, State University of New York; Nonie Lesaux, Harvard University; Annemarie Sullivan Palincsar, University of Michigan; Kathleen Roskos, John Carroll University.

Institute 2: Focus on Engagement: Celebrating an Active Stance with Literacy

Participants will be actively engaged with six dynamic and interactive keynote presenters who will focus on key points in increasing student engagement while reaching for Common Core Standards and deep thinking. In addition, we highlight famed children’s authors Seymour Simon and Doreen Rappaport as they focus on using high-quality informational texts to lift engagement. Presentations will include audience engagement, video, analysis of student work, and ready-to-apply instructional strategies. Presenters: Linda Hoyt, author/consultant; Ellin Oliver Keene, author/consultant; Harvey "Smokey" Daniels, author/consultant; Debbie Miller, author/consultant; Sharon Taberski, author/consultant; Seymour Simon, author/consultant; Doreen Rappaport, author/consultant; Sara Holbrook; Michael Salinger, author/consultant.

Institute 3: Understanding Language: Common Core and English Language Learners

The Understanding Language Institute will be divided into three parts: 1, An overview of the critical role language plays in the new Common Core State Standards and the opportunities these new Standards afford to English Language Learners (ELLs); 2, A workshop of lesson components of an exemplar middle school English Language Arts unit, developed by the team that highlights specific strategies that support ELLs’ access and success with authentic Common Core aligned complex texts; and 3, Unpacking the metacognitive processes for teachers and students that support teacher professional development and processes that support student learning. Presenter: Lydia Stack, SFUSD.

Institute 4: Steps to Comprehending Literature: A Breakthrough

A six-step metacognitive framework that miraculously develops automaticity of comprehension of literature for K–12 children, from struggling learners to gifted ones, will be introduced through exhibits of children’s responses. “How to do it” breakout sessions will follow. Presenters: Susan M. Glazer, Rider University; Phyllis D. Fantauzzo, Rider University; Kristina Fico, Student Success Center, Rider University; Johanna Allen, Hopewell Valley Central High School; Robin Carver, Alexander Batcho Intermediate School; David M. Hassine, Crossoads North Middle School; Stephanie Madden, Waldwick Middle School; Evangelos P. Malakates, Pond Road Middle School; Elyse Willey, Riverfront School; Shannon Carlson, Orchard Hill Elementary School; Lindsay Csogi, Hedgepeth Williams School; Karen Lurie, Reading-Flemington Intermediate School.

Institute 5: Vocabulary Instruction That Makes a Difference (MCVIP) Grades 4–9

This Institute shares research-based instruction for comprehensive vocabulary development. Presenters: Camille Blachowicz, National Louis University; James Baumann, University of Missouri-Columbia; Patrick Manyak, University of Wyoming; Michael Graves, University of Minnesota, Emeritus; Justin Arner, University of Missouri; Ann Bates, National Louis University; Char Cieply, National Louis University; Jeni R. Davis, University of Missouri; Heather Peterson, University of Wyoming; MCVIP Teachers Washington School, Evanston 
MCVIP Teachers Irish Elementary School, University of Wyoming; MCVIP Teachers, University of Missouri.

Institute 6: Implications of the CCSS & PARCC Assessments for Teaching & Learning

Participants will be invited to choose from three workshops within the Institute. All will make use of the CCSS and select PARCC prototype performance assessment and instructional task models to first engage participants in the kinds of CCSS aligned work that will be expected of students. Next, participants will try their own hands at developing CCSS-aligned performance assessments and instructional tasks. Finally, participants will step back to study the implications of their learning for teaching. The elementary/middle workshop will focus on Grades 3 and 6. The high school workshop will focus on Grade 10. The English Language Learner workshop will focus on Grades 3, 6, and 10. Presenters (all from University of Pittsburgh): Anthony Petrosky; Stephanie McConachie; Vivian Mihalakis; Sara DeMartino; Tabetha Bernstein-Danis. 

Institute 7: Adolescent Literacy in the 21st Century

This Institute explores the many achievements and challenges of working with adolescents in the 21st century. Presenters: Heather Casey, Rider University; Carol Hryniuk-Adamov, Chilod Guidance Clinic; Maureen McLaughlin, East Stroudsburg University of PA; Cynthia Shanahan, University of Illinois; Gay Ivey, James Madison University; Leigh A. Hall, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Deborah Ellis, Groundwood Books; Doug Buehl, Edgewood College; Penny Kittle, Conway School District; Karen Bromley, Binghamton University; Cris Tovani, Overland High School; William G. Brozo, George Mason University; Cynthia Greenleaf, West Ed; Jill Lewis Spector, New Jersey City University; Donna Alvermann, University of Georgia.

Institute 8: IRA/CAEP: A Partnership for Reading Professional Quality and Performance

The IRA/CAEP Institute helps to make a difference for reading specialist/literacy coach candidates nationwide. Presenters: Diane Kern, University of Rhode Island and IRA SPA Coordinator; Beverly DeVries, Southern Nazarene University; Angela Rutherford, University of Mississippi.

Institute 9: Best Practices in Literacy Leadership: Nurturing Development Through Sustainable Learning and Creative Change

Best Practices in Literacy Leadership celebrates educators as literacy leaders, adult learners, and agents of social change. This Institute will change how literacy leaders conceptualize, approach, and engage literacy leadership as participants fold new tools and strategies into their developing repertoire. A variety of practical leadership strategies to create responsive, respectful, and sustainable learning communities that nurture growth, development, and transformation, and celebrate literacy leadership, will be offered. Presenters: Kristine Tucker, Long Hill Township Public School District; Cindy Lassonde, SUNY College at Oneonta; Richard L Allington, University of Tennessee; Janet Richards, University of South Florida; Sherry Dismuke, Boise State University; Mary Roe, Arizona State University; Shelly Terrell, Teacher Trainer and Author; Krislynn Dengler, State University of New York College at Oneonta; Hanfu Mi, State University of New York-Oneonta; Kasey Errico, Ridge and Valley Charter School; Lisa Masi, Ridge and Valley Charter School; Traci Pannullo, Ridge and Valley Charter School; Sandra K. Athans, LeMoyne College & Chittenango Central School District; Kathleen Muir, John D. Long Middle School; Katie Stover, Furman University.

Institute 10: The Common Core Literacy Block: What Will It Look Like in My Classroom?

Participants will gain theoretical and practical insights into balancing the competing components of a literacy block while meeting the demands of the Common Core State Standards. From scheduling to close readings to developing student independence, participants will leave with deeper understandings and some solutions to Common Core instructional dilemmas. Presenters: Jan Miller Burkins, Jan Miller Burkins Consulting & Literacyhead.com; Kim Yaris, Burkins & Yaris, Literacy-builders.com. 

Institute 11: Fluency and the Common Core

This Institute will explore the importance of fluent reading in meeting the literacy standards presented by the Common Core and the important role that teachers play in helping students become fluent readers. Presenters will assist teachers in connecting the expectation for being a fluent reader to the requirement for the reading of complex text. Attendees will benefit as they learn instructional strategies that will assist them with encouraging fluent reading behavior in their students across the elementary, middle, and high school grade continuum. Presenters: David Paige, Bellarmine; Jessica Broady, Jefferson County Public Schools; Seth Pollitt, Jefferson County Public Schools; Stan Taylor, Taylor & Associates; Timothy Rasinski, Kent State University; Theresa Magpuri-Lavell; Meredith Liben, Student Achievement Partners; David Liben, Student Achievement Partners.

Institute 12: Meeting the Differentiated Needs in Early Childhood

The presenters of this Institute will update participants about research, theory, and instructional practices that support the role of early literacy development in the lives of young children. Models and strategies, rationales, and evidence for the importance of the topics will be shared. Issues related to word study, language development, comprehension, fluency, writing, and the role of the family in literacy development will be emphasized and tied to the Common Core State Standards. The presentation will include the three D's of literacy—that is, recognizing diversity, differentiating of instruction, and the delight of reading, writing, and language. Presenters: Lesley Mandel Morrow, Rutgers University; Lester Laminack, Western Carolina University; Jeanne Paratore, Boston University; Susan Dougherty, Rutgers University; D. Ray Reutzel, Utah State University; Billie Enz, Arizona State University; Maria E. Franquiz, University of Texas; Richard L Allington, University of Tennessee; Judith Schickedanz, Boston University; Diane Barone, University of Nevada, Reno; Diane Lapp, San Diego State University; William Teale, University of Illinois at Chicago; Anne McGill Franzen, University of Tennessee.

Institute 13: Making a Difference through Writing

This Institute includes four keynotes and two breakout series, all presented by prominent authors/scholars/researchers. Two keynotes are planned for the morning, along with one breakout series; the afternoon uses the same structure. Keynotes focus on the following important areas: 10 principles of writing (this sets the stage by integrating the day's focus areas); learning through writing; practical implications of the CCSS for literacy, social studies, and science curricula; engaging boy writers; and “growing” readers and writers who love poetry. Breakouts address varying grade ranges, struggling writers, genres, technology, and the use of mentor texts. Presenters: Kathy Ganske, Vanderbilt University; Rosemary Cappelli, West Chester Area School District; Lynne Dorfman, Upper Moreland School District; Ralph Fletcher, Author and Consultant, Sponsored by Stenhouse; Matt Glover, Author and Consultant; Steve Graham, Vanderbilt University; Karen R. Harris, Arizona State University; Georgia Heard, Author and Independent Consultant, Sponsored by Scholastic; Susan Kolwicz; Lisa C. Miller, University of New Hampshire; Timothy Shanahan, University of Illinois; Thomas DeVere Wolsey, Walden University. 

Institute 14: What Struggling Readers and Writers Want Educators to Know

Many students are challenged by the literacy processes that others access with relative ease. What are the factors that contribute to these difficulties? What are the realities of the school experience for these students? How can educators create an environment that builds on the strengths of struggling students and makes a difference in their academic and emotional lives? This Institute will celebrate teaching ideas and strategies that provide solutions to this issue with presentations by literacy scholars, panels with experienced teachers, interactive small group discussions, and workshop activities with literacy professionals. Presenters: Joan Williams, Sam Houston State University; Richard L. Allington, University of Tennessee; Sally Frances Heineke, Sam Houston State University; Hannah Gerber, Sam Houston State University; Jennifer Brock, Region 4 Education Service Center; Donna Cox, Sam Houston State University; Melinda S. Miller, Sam Houston State University; Debbie Price, Sam Houston State University; Barbara Greybeck, Sam Houston State University; Nancy Votteler, Sam Houston State University; Helen Berg, Sam Houston State University; Patricia Durham, Texas A& M University, Corpus Christi; Kim Bellini, Learning RX; Alida Schumacher, Spring Independent School District; Holly McBlane, Austin Independent School District.

Institute 15: Students Make the Difference in Word Study

This Institute shares research, theory, and instructional strategies to effectively implement word study instruction at the classroom, school, and district level. The presenters will provide an overview of the developmental model, the assessment process, and the basic components of word study instruction. The participants will learn how to assess and monitor students' phonics, spelling, and vocabulary development and plan developmentally appropriate literacy instruction that meets the individual needs of all learners and foundational skills of the Common Core State Standards. Practical, hands-on activities for examining and discovering critical features of words will be modeled. Presenter: Karen Carpenter, Coker College.

Institute 16: Engaging Books, Engaging Talk, and Engaged Readers: Exceeding the CCSS

Literacy engagement is typically viewed as independent, deep involvement with a text. To help students not only meet, but also exceed curriculum demands (e.g., CCSS), we must explore the potential of engagement to help students become deeply involved in ideas (through, across, beyond texts) and with each other. We will share—through video, teacher perspectives, and research—examples of K-12 instruction that prioritizes engaged reading and talk, and produces outcomes that transcend conventional achievement standards. Presenters: Peter Johnston, University at Albany, State University of New York; Gay Ivey, James Madison University; Maria Nichols, San Diego Unified School District; Susie Althof, San Diego Unified School District; Amy Faulkner, Waynesboro Public Schools; Katie Ford, Waynesboro Public Schools; Jeralyn Johnson, San Diego Unified School District; Elizabeth Hill, Waynesboro Public Schools; Beth Teachey, Waynesboro Public Schools; Brian Lundstrom, Waynesboro Public Schools.

Institute 17: Empowering All Teachers to Create a Meaning-Making Schoolhouse

The effective schoolhouse is replete with individuals who celebrate the knowledge that teachers, learners, and their families bring to the classroom. This Institute is for teachers who want to make a difference in the lives of their students. Presentations address the funds of knowledge of all who contribute to learning and highlight avenues to promote critical thinking and citizenship in ELLs. Presenters will describe innovative instructional paradigms that creative teachers can implement to give ELLs access to the curriculum at levels K–12. Presentations will offer insightful concrete ideas differentiated to target new and experienced teachers who yearn to know more. Presenters: Mayra Daniel, Northern Illinois University; Kouider Mokhtari, University of Texas at Tyler; James Cohen, Northern Illinois University; Shelley K. Taylor, University of Western Ontario; David Schwarzer, Montclair State University; Paul Boyd-Batstone, California State University at Long Beach; Louise Wilkinson, Syracuse University; Guofang Li, Michigan State University; Melina Porto, National University of La Plata and CONICET; Joyce Nutta, University of Central Florida; Chris Liska Carger, Northern Illinois University; John Evar Strid, Northern Illinois University.

Institute 18: Using New Technologies to Engage Readers and Encourage Student Voices

This Institute demonstrates research-based techniques and strategies for integrating literacy and technology in Grades K–12, while showcasing instructional practices and Web 2.0 technologies that promote inquiry-based reading, digital storytelling, personal reflection, literary analysis, and creative response. Each session is designed to provide theoretical foundations, demonstrations of strategies, opportunities for hands‐on practice, connections to authentic learning activities, Internet resources and tools, and tips for successful lessons. Each session presenter is an active researcher and/or teacher invited to participate based upon his or her expertise with new technologies. Presenters: Julie Coiro, University of Rhode Island; Troy Hicks, Central Michigan University; Linda Eleftheri, Jackson Elementary School; Jennifer Gates, Randolph Elementary School; Jennifer Boyle, Benchmark Education Company; Alexandra Panos, Immaculate Conception St. Joseph School; Amie Potter, Randolph Elementary School; Nicole Renner, East Nashville Magnet School; Blaine Smith, Vanderbilt University; Denise Johnson, College of William & Mary; Sara Kajder, University of Pittsburgh; Bridget Dalton, Vanderbilt University; Kimberly Kimbell-Lopez, Louisiana Tech University; Carrice Cummins, Louisiana Tech University; Julie B. Wise, Penn State York.

Institute 19: Assessment in the Era of the Common Core State Standards

This session gives educators insight into assessments that support the goals of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Speakers include leaders in the development of the CCSS and related assessments, researchers of assessment practices and issues, and leaders in state agencies and teacher education who are working on implementation of the CCSS. Articles and presentations of presenters and opportunities to ask questions of presenters will be available prior to the Institute to support shared background for dialogue and presentations. Participants will also be able to ask questions of speakers digitally during the Institute which will be addressed in summary sessions. Presenters: Elfrieda "Freddy" H. Hiebert, TextProject & University of California, Santa Cruz; David Coleman, College Board; David Francis, University of Houston; Heidi Anne Mesmer, Virginia Tech; Melanie Kuhn, Boston University; P. David Pearson, University of California, Berkeley; Victoria Risko, Vanderbilt University; Barbara Kapinus, National Education Association; Karen Wixson, University of North Carolina, Greensboro; Peter Afflerbach, University of Maryland; Pamela Mason, Harvard University; Lori DiGisi, Framingham Public Schools; Kenji Hakuta, Stanford University; Bonnie Hain, Achieve; Cindy Parker, Kentucky Department of Education.

For Council Leaders

The Council Leadership Institute – Celebrating the Leader in You session for state and provincial council leaders on Friday, April 19 concentrates on developing and improving leadership skills. The half-day session will focus on teambuilding, networking, and strategic planning to help council leaders be more effective in their roles. Included mini-sessions will cover governance and council finance.

The IRA 58th Annual Convention runs from April 19 to 22, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas. Visit www.iraconvention.org for details.

by Elizabeth Bleacher

Well-known teacher, author, and humorist Dr. Debbie Silver will be speaking during the Sunday, April 21 General Session at the International Reading Association’s 58th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Silver has spent more than 30 years in education as a teacher, staff development instructor, and a university professor. In addition to her time spent in the classroom, the former Louisiana Teacher of the Year has published a number of well-respected books, including the best-selling Drumming to the Beat of Different Marchers: Finding the Rhythm for Differentiated Learning. Her extensive teaching and research experience makes Silver uniquely equipped to address the most pressing issues currently challenging educators.

During the general session, Silver will pay special attention to the role that teachers play in the success of their students. Silver strongly believes that teachers must stay driven and passionate to have a true impact on their students. She highlights both learning theory and tools for communication as evidence of the impact of informed, motivated teachers in the lives of children. On Education Week's “Finding Common Ground” blog Silver suggests, “We need to be supportive but honest with our charges; we should give them effective feedback that avoids labels.” The session will explore Silver’s findings about the fundamental changes that can be made to help children become self-motivated and proactive learners as well as specific strategies that help children develop internal motivation and resiliency.

The findings of Silver’s newest release, Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8: Teaching Kids to Succeed, serve as the basis for much of her sessions content. Silver explains that, “The Japanese have a proverb that says, ‘Fall down seven times, get up eight.’ I think that is a wonderful metaphor for what most of us want for our children.” The book provides an in-depth explanation of her motivational theory and provides practical examples of concrete solutions for helping students overcome setbacks. The book’s suggested guidelines put a special emphasis on turning failures into lifelong successes and empowering teachers to motivate their students.

More information about the speaker session can be found at the International Reading Association’s Annual Convention website, and Silver’s website provides more information about her career and available publications.

Reference: 

Silver, D. (2012, February 4). Helping kids learn to succeed [Guest blog post]. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/finding_common_ground/2012/02/helping_kids_learn_to_succeed.html

Elizabeth Bleacher is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.

Registrations for the IRA 58th Annual Convention are pouring in as literacy educators rush to attend the anticipated professional development event. No wonder they’re excited: the 2013 convention features keynotes LeVar Burton, Rick Riordan, Mo Willems, Debbie Silver; hundreds of sessions led by veteran and emerging leaders in the field; and opportunities to network with nearly 10,000 colleagues from around the country and the world. Teachers looking for practical, research-based guidance from expert speakers will be flocking to San Antonio in April.

IRA launched a new, streamlined Annual Convention website in November and opened registration for the convention and housing in early December. Literacy professionals can register using one of four different methods: online, mail, fax, or phone.

The online process is the fastest and easiest way to register and book a hotel. Just go to www.iraconvention.org and click the link for online registration.

Other options include printing the registration form from www.iraconvention.org and faxing it to 415-293-4399. Registrants can also mail the printed form to IRA Registration & Housing, c/o Convention Management Resources, 33 New Montgomery, Suite 1100, San Francisco, CA 94105. Attendees who wish to reserve their spot over the phone should call 888-294-9167 (U.S. and Canada) or 415-979-2278.

What You’ll Need

Before registering online, it is helpful to have a few pieces of information handy. First, registrants should review the Annual Convention website at www.iraconvention.org. You’ll also want to take a look at the iPlanner, which offers detailed descriptions for the more than 500 sessions being offered in San Antonio. This is especially important when considering registering for an Institute and/or any of the luncheons, or planning on attending for a single day.

IRA members, or anyone who has created an account with IRA to purchase books, etc., should have access to the registration site with their IRA logins and passwords. If registrants don’t know this information, there is an option to click on “Forgot password” and have the information e-mailed to them. (Please note that registrants will need to create an additional password to use the iPlanner.) Students should have their student I.D. number accessible to receive the student discount. It also is helpful to have the name of an emergency contact and this person’s phone number. If you’re bringing a guest, it is useful to know this guest’s full name and phone number. Lastly, registrants should have a credit card nearby for payment.

Log In to Save Time

When beginning the online process, registrants are encouraged to log in first. This step saves time when entering information into the online form and it also allows registrants to view completed event details on their “My Account” webpage after the transaction is complete.

Complete Profile

The first step of online registration invites registrants to enter their names and contact information. Registrants can click on “back” at the bottom or any of the circles at the top of the page to return to a previous screen. Nonmember registrants can also add an IRA membership at several points in the process—the best option to save significantly on convention registration and other IRA products.

Register

The second step is to select Annual Convention registration options. Here is where registrants select an Institute, any luncheons, or a single-day rate.

This is also where registrants reserve for their guests and select their event options. Students should enter their school name and I.D. number here. They will be asked to show their student I.D. when they pick up their registration packet in San Antonio.

Book Hotel

The next page allows registrants to select a hotel. If a registrant would rather book accommodations themselves, he/she can skip this step and go directly to step 4 to “Review and Pay.”

If booking now, registrants can choose from 20 IRA-approved hotels on this page, reviewing in-page details about hotel features, location, and a calendar of available dates. They can even choose which kind of room (single or double) and leave requests for the hotel staff. We strongly urge registrants to reserve rooms early, as space is limited.

Review & Pay

The next step is to enter a payment method. The webpage displays a review of attendees’ registration information and hotel information. Registrants can scroll down to enter payment details.

My Registration Profile

Once the registrant has completed entering their contact information, registration preferences, hotel accommodations (if applicable), and payment method, the final step is a webpage showing an overview of the registrant’s convention details. Clicking on “Print Receipt” produces a printer-friendly summary with a barcode that can be used for reimbursement as well as to check-in at the registration booth in April. E-mails with the barcode and registration and housing details will also be sent to registrants when payment is processed. The barcode scanners can even read the barcode image on a smartphone screen at check-in.

And that’s it! IRA believes that this new registration process along with the efficient design makes it possible for even the “nontechnical” literacy professional to complete online registration with ease.

BONUS: Educators who register on or before February 15, 2013 (and enter promotion code AC13158* when prompted) will be entered to win a tablet and an IRA e-book package!

This is just one of the many reasons that it's a great idea to register today!

*Prize package subject to change. Anyone who registers on or before February 15, 2013, 11:59 PM PST will be automatically entered to win. One winner will be notified by March 1, 2013.

IRA's authors lead the way in research-based classroom practices. Attendees at the IRA 58th Annual Convention from April 19-22, 2013, in San Antonio have the unique opportunity to learn proven strategies from some of the best in the field in these dynamic sessions with featured IRA authors.

Regie Routman


Maureen
McLaughlin


Brenda J.
Overturf


Annemarie
Sullivan Palinscar


Linda Kucan


Lori D. Oczkus

Regie Routman

Through classroom stories, photos, video, and student work samples from diverse classrooms and schools, Regie Routman, author of IRA’s Literacy and Learning Lessons From a Longtime Teacher, will model what she views as the most crucial literacy and learning lessons from her lifetime of teaching and learning. In her presentation, “Literacy and Learning Lessons: Maximizing Reading and Writing Achievement for ALL Learners,” she will explicitly discuss and demonstrate the effective reading and writing instructional moves, strategies, responsive language, formative assessment, celebrations, and goal setting that lead to higher student engagement, enjoyment, and achievement. Some of these essential lessons include conducting effective reading and writing conferences, understanding and applying a whole-part-whole teaching approach, writing for audience and purpose, sensibly implementing guided and independent reading, and smartly applying the Common Core State Standards.

Maureen McLaughlin and Brenda J. Overturf

In their session, “The Common Core: Teaching Students to Meet the Reading Standards,” Maureen McLaughlin and Brenda J. Overturf will share research-based, classroom-proven strategies from their IRA books, The Common Core: Teaching K-5 Students to Meet the Reading Standards and The Common Core: Teaching Students in Grades 6-12 to Meet the Reading Standards. A strong research base, a sound theoretical framework, and numerous practical teaching ideas are embedded in this presentation. Participants will learn how to teach students to meet the Common Core College and Career Readiness Standards for Reading.

Linda Kucan and Annemarie Sullivan Palincsar

Authors Linda Kucan and Annemarie Sullivan Palincsar will share the research, classroom practice, and feedback that shaped their book and DVD, Comprehension Instruction Through Text-Based Discussion, which will be featured in their session of the same name. Intended for use by upper elementary teachers, the book presents tools that support text analysis, planning, and enactment of discussion when the goal is to advance knowledge building with informational text. The accompanying DVD illustrates application of the tools, as two teachers lead fourth- through sixth-graders in discussions of four informational texts addressing natural and social science topics. The authors will demonstrate how they envision the book-and-DVD resource will be used by teachers in school-based professional learning, as well as for pre-service teacher education.

Lori D. Oczkus

Educators feeling overwhelmed by the avalanche of critical information they need to know to teach literacy and Common Core State Standards in today's classroom can join bestselling author and literacy coach Lori Oczkus as she shares her "Top 5 Playlists" of proven lessons featured in her recent IRA book, Best Ever Literacy Survival Tips: 72 Lessons You Can't Teach Without! Lori's suggestions for the hottest literacy topics include student-centered lessons to improve motivation; teaching informational texts, fluency, vocabulary, and close reading; and strategies for teaching struggling readers and ELL students.

Registration is now open for the IRA Annual Convention! Visit www.iraconvention.org to register and to read more about the sessions and presenters.

To read more about these and hundred of other IRA books, e-books, and professional development guides, visit /books.

by Elizabeth Bleacher

IRA’s author luncheons provide a unique chance to hear from popular authors while sharing a friendly meal with colleagues. The IRA 58th Annual Convention features ticketed luncheons with Jane O’Connor (Fancy Nancy series) on April 20; Newbery Honor winner Joan Bauer on April 21, and author/illustrator Chris Soentpiet on April 22.

Jane O’Connor

Jane O’Connor, a native New Yorker, addresses the need for varied and creative literature at the primary reading level during the Primary Literacy Luncheon from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. O’Connor is the author of the Fancy Nancy (HarperCollins) series of well-loved books about a dramatic little girl with a love for outrageous fashion and fancy words. A number of the Fancy Nancy books have spent time in the No. 1 spot on the New York Times best-sellers list, but Nancy’s success hasn’t kept O’Connor writing strictly for early readers. The follow-up to her well-received adult novel, Dangerous Admissions (Harper/Avon), will be available in April 2013.

Joan Bauer

Adolescent literature takes center stage when Joan Bauer talks about the importance of hope and humor in teen novels at the Young Adult Literature Luncheon on Sunday, April 21, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Bauer’s writing career had an unconventional start when she penned her first YA novel in an attempt to help herself recover from a serious car accident. Aside from the Newbery Honor Medal, Bauer has also been the recipient of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for her book, Rules of the Road (G.P. Putnam's Sons). Her latest novel, Almost Home (Viking Juvenile), was released in September 2012.

Chris Soentpiet

Author/illustrator Chris Soentpiet speaks at the Book and Author Luncheon on Monday,  April 22, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Recipient of the Society of Illustrator's top prize for his historical picture book Peacebound Trains (Sandpiper) and Parents Magazine's Best Book of the Year for Something Beautiful (Doubleday Books for Young Readers), Soentpiet has also been awarded IRA’s Children’s Book Award three times for his works More Than Anything Else (Orchard Books), Molly Bannaky (Sandpiper), and Coolies (Philomel). Soentpiet’s work transcends boarders with overarching themes about people, history, and culture.

The IRA 58th Annual Convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas, from April 19 to 22, 2013. Register and reserve your tickets for the luncheons on www.iraconvention.org or by calling 888-294-9167 (U.S. and Canada) or 415-979-2278. Since the tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, those interested in attending should secure their tickets as soon as possible.

Elizabeth Bleacher is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.