Literacy Now

The Secondary Reading Council of Florida (SRCFL) awarded its 2012 Teachers of the Year (Veteran and Novice) designations to veteran reading educator Clara Michelle McMillan Kirby of the Leon County School District and novice reading educator Jenny Craige of the Palm Beach County School District. Michelle is a reading coach at James R. Rickard High School under the administration of Dr. Michelle Gayle. Jenny works at Boynton Beach Community High School as a reading teacher for grades 11 and 12, under the administration of Karen Whetsell. The award was presented at the SRCFL Annual Conference held in Deerfield Beach on May 11 and 12. 

Jenny Craige of
Palm Beach County
School District

Clara Michelle
McMillan Kirby
of Leon County
School District

“These two recipients represent the overarching view that reading education for secondary students must be not only unique to their needs, but also recognize what these students bring to the literacy instructional table,” said SRCFL president Dr. Joyce Warner, who is Chair of the Reading and Literacy Studies Department at Barry University. 

Each recipient brings this unique perspective to her reading instruction. Mr. Kevin Smith of Just Read, Florida! said Michelle is a “collaborative practitioner who …corrals resources and leads the charge in impacting student performance.” Michelle is a “tireless change agent for secondary reading.” 

Of Ms Craige’s reading instructional style, her colleague, Rachelle Savitz, said, “Jenny shows a passion for reading, reads everywhere and all the time. She models her love of reading in so many ways and daily differentiates techniques and strategies for her students to address their varied needs and interests. ”

The Secondary Reading Council of Florida has been an affiliated charter of the International Reading Association since 1980. For more information about SRCFL, visit the website at www.srcfl.org.

International Reading Association Awards and Grants

Councils and Affiliates of the International Reading Association

Join the International Reading Association

by Sapargul Mirseitova and Katya Jurina

The 2012 meeting of the International Development in Eurasia Committee (IDEAC) was held in February in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Committee wanted to use this chance to attract more people from the region as well as to make IRA more visible for educators and other interested parties. 

Victoria Risko and
Sapargul Mirseitova
speak to attendees

Therefore, the traditional committee meeting was preceeded by two events: a leadership workshop led by Sakil Malik, IRA Global Operations Unit Director, and a Reading Conference. These two events built a very productive base for further discussion of regional issues. Leaders from several Eurasian countries participated in the leadership workshop. Mr. Malik gave an overview of key events in IRA and demonstrated use of the IRA website to learn more about some of the projects and activities.

Participants learned about online networking tools, task forces, the IRA President’s blog (Presidential Corner), Teacher’s Inquiry, and Eurasia’s online journal in Russian on the IRA website. Some of the participants said, “Now I see what IRA is all about.” Others commented, “Oh, now I know how to do my leadership work, I know what you expect from me.”

The one-day Reading Conference theme was “Language & Literacy: New Ideas & Insights in Learning and Teaching,” aimed to attract people from different universities, organizations, and the Ministry. The participants included many teachers from Kazakhstan, Georgia, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Representatives from USAID and the Aga Khan Foundation, which has Reading Programs in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, were able to take part in the Conference. Ministry representatives were also invited. 

The keynote speech “New Ideas and Insights in Text Comprehension” was presented by Past-President Dr. Victoria Risko. Many participants commented that this presentation deepened their understanding of how to work with text, which demands more detailed understanding, detailed preparation, and attention to many other factors which can be missed when selecting texts or in further work with the text.

At one of the sessions, there was also a good overview of children’s literature presented by Dr. William Teale, IRA Board Member. Prior to the start of the conference, Teale and Risko visited a school in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and were also able to conduct lessons which showed the possibility of pupils’ involvement in reading, having only one book for the class. These lessons showed that the book is a universal method of communication even if the teacher is speaking in a foreign language. Teachers could create an atmosphere during the lessons which allowed them to work with every pupil, despite their level of English knowledge. All pupils could be heard and successful.

Katya Jurina, an English teacher in Karagandy, Kazakhstan, and contributing writer to this article, came to this conclusion after the conference: “From my point of view, the most important idea which I heard during the conference was that a student will be interested when he realizes that it can be used in his everyday life.”

IRA sign welcoming attendees

Workshop attendees

Workshop attendees

Sapargul Mirseitova is the IDEAC Chair. Katya Jurina is a Kazakh English teacher who attended the conference.

This article is reprinted from the June/July 2012 issue of Reading Today. IRA members can read the interactive digital version of the magazine here. Nonmembers: join today! 

by Dale Harper

As the Keystone State Reading Association (KSRA) in Pennsylvania prepares for its 2012 Annual Conference entitled “Read and Shine” to be held in the charming Champion area in the breathtaking Laurel Highlands region outside of Pittsburgh this fall, members look back with fondness and triumph on the bevy of barricades that mounted against them in the autumn of 2011.

On October 27 to 29, 2011, KSRA hosted a successful 44th Annual Reading Conference entitled “Literacy: Share the Passion” in the quaint Pennsylvania Dutch region of Lancaster, PA. After two years of preparation and challenging hurdles, a program of some of the best and most knowledgeable speakers from all over the country was brought together for the three-day conference.

KSRA 2011 Conference Committee members

Most presenters spoke about the two hottest topics: Core Standards and RTI. Publishers and vendors came through with incredible support. Visiting authors included two Caldecott winners as well as other award winners. Spirits were high, and President-elect and 2011 Conference Chairperson Dale Harper, Poster Artist Joan Lengel, Editor Angee Cobb, Photographer Christine Kurman, Logo Creator Hank Grasso and the rest of the conference committee worked around the clock to make it a conference to remember.

However, financial, political, and environmental obstacles arose that made success seemingly impossible.

Finances Fizzle

During the 2010-2011 school year, severe budget reductions continued. Stimulus funds were gone. School districts had their budgets cut to bare bones, and districts had to eliminate teaching positions. Many districts told their staff that no school staff would be able to go anywhere, even if they were presenting at a conference.

Politicians Tighten Belts

Professional development was the next hurdle to overcome. Some months before the conference, the Governor of Pennsylvania announced that all five hundred school districts in the state did not have to offer professional development to their staff for two years. This was a tremendous blow to the conference, especially since the conference was offering presenters that were on the national committees for Core Standards and other speakers that are some of the best in their fields. We were concerned that many educators in the state would not be able to experience this level of professional development, even though Core Standards would soon be implemented.

Old Man Winter Arrives Early

On the last day of the conference (Saturday), there were eleven inches of snow with roads closed, trees down, and an incredible amount of accidents. An October snowfall is very rare for this area of Pennsylvania. It was treacherous. Therefore, the teachers that were coming only Saturday—because their school districts would not get substitutes for them during the week—did not come.

Against the Odds

Anything that could go wrong, did! However, the quality and quantity of presenters was so incredibly high that districts sent their staff anyway, and some people paid their own way just so they could experience and learn from these great people. 

Irene Fountas, who has it all—research, materials, assessment, and intervention—lived up to her phenomenal reputation.Roger Farr connected his strategies with the Core Standards, and Richard Gentry also spoke about his three big ideas to promote reading success and meet Core Standards. Karen Wixson explained RTI and even sent her PowerPoint for our website. Ellin Keene spoke of New Horizons in Comprehension, and Maureen McLaughlin, IRA’s Vice President, talked about Content Area Literacy. In addition, Victoria Risko, President and national committee member for Core Standards, presented on Comprehension and Core Standards. There were many others that wowed the crowd with their expertise. Their knowledge and energy made their presentations most worthwhile and unforgettable.

In addition to our presentations, we had two lovely Authors’ Teas. Participants had hot beverages and met with the authors as they took turns sharing a little about themselves and their work. Author signatures on the logo mugs made them a collectable favorite to take home. Our author and illustrator line-up was equally as impressive. Jerry Pinkney, 2010 Caldecott winner, received a standing ovation as he shared his talents and treasures. Paul O. Zelinsky, winner of multiple Caldecott Awards, was there as well with his new book. Other award-winning authors included Ralph Masiello, Peter Catalanotto, Kevin O’Malley, Floyd Cooper, Marisa Paolicelli, Sneed B. Collard III, J. Patrick Lewis, and many more.

Our goal was achieved with a “win-win” for everyone! We met the IRA and KSRA goals with the best program we could create and gave it to the largest number of people possible. We wanted to let the sponsors know how much they are appreciated especially during this financial crunch. We gave them as much exposure as possible to thank them for their sponsorship of some the most knowledgeable presenters in the fi eld. Even in these challenging times, everyone benefits if we work together, remain active, participate, and share the passion of promoting literacy.

Dale Harper was the Keystone State Reading Association President-elect and 2011 Conference Chairperson, dgharper1@verizon.net.

This article is reprinted from the June/July 2012 issue of Reading Today. IRA members can read the interactive digital version of the magazine here. Nonmembers: join today! 

The International Reading Association honored our international affiliates at the awards ceremony on Sunday, April 30, 2012, at the IRA 58th Annual Convention in Chicago. Victoria Risko, Amy Kushner, Carrice Cummins, Marcie Craig Post, and Maureen McLaughlin present awards to members of IRA’s International Development Coordinating Committee accepted awards on behalf of the international affiliates and grant recipients. This year’s ceremony marked the start of a new tradition of including international affiliates in this annual awards ceremony. 

International Affiliates Grants and Awards

Anastasia Reva, Russia, Volzhskiy Literacy Project

Jacqueline Leigh, Sierra Leone, Seli River Writing Project

Jessie B. Fagans, Liberia, Liberian Books for Liberian Children

Heidi Baer-Postigo, Bolivia, Kids Books Bolivia

Dr. Ann Nkechi Iheonu, Nigeria, Establish Reading Centers in Owerri

Nwigwe Ngozi, Nigeria, Developing Teachers’ Capacity for Teaching Pupils Initial Reading Skills

Samuel Andema, Uganda, Promoting Digital Literacy in Ugandan Education: An ICT Laboratory and Community Resources

Constance McCullogh Award

Jackson Mukasa Kizza, Uganda, Empowering the Ugandan Child through Reading

International Membership Awards

Africa: Reading Association of Nigeria

Asia: Reading Association of the Philippines

Caribbean: Trinidad and Tobago Reading Association

Eurasia: Kazakhstan Reading Association

Europe: Reading Association of Russia

Latin America: Consejo Puebla de Lectura, Mexico

Oceania: Australian Literacy Educators’Association

Longest Standing International Affiliate Awards

Africa: Reading Association of Nigeria

Asia: Japan Reading Association

Caribbean: Jamaica Reading Association

Eurasia: Kazakhstan Reading Association

Europe: Læsepædagogen Danish Council of International Reading Association

Latin America: Sociedad de Dislexia Del Uruguay

Oceania: Australian Literacy Educators’ Association.

Photo by Chuck Fazio Photography.

This article is reprinted from the June/July 2012 issue of Reading Today. IRA members can read the interactive digital version of the magazine here. Nonmembers: join today!

The International Reading Association gave awards to many state and local councils and affiliate organizations from around the world during the ceremony on Sunday, April 29, at the IRA 57th Annual Convention in Chicago. Below is a list of some of those awards.

Exemplary Reading Program Award Winners

The following schools were given these awards through their state councils.

Cullman City Primary School, Cullman, AL, Patricia R. Culpepper, Principal

Fountain Lake School District, Hot Springs, AR

Woodrow Elementary School, Modesto, CA, Vickie Briscoe, Principal

Staffordville School, Staffordville, CT, Dr. Maureen Ryan, Principal

Wilder Elementary School, Wilder, ID, Jeff Dillon, Principal

Augustus H. Burley Elementary School, Chicago, IL, Barbara Kent, Principal

Maize South Elementary School, Wichita, KS, Tyler Ewert, Principal

A. A. Songy Kindergarten Center, Luling, LA, Claire P. Brauninger, Principal

Wicomico Early Learning Center, Salisbury, MD, Maria Marshall, Principal

Anna Ware Jackson School, Plainville, MA, Anne M. Houle, Principal

Burke Elementary School, Kansas City, MO, Deborah Fortner, Principal

Pringle Elementary School, Salem, OR, Linda Dougherty, Principal

Elizabeth Scott Elementary School, Chester, VA, Joan Temple, Principal

Local Council Community Service Awards

First Place

Jefferson County Council, Arkansas, Susan Bitely, President

Second Place

Moore County Council, North Carolina, Mary Ellen Skidmore, President

Advocacy Awards

Connecticut Reading Association, Marilyn Scanlan-White, Legislative Chair

Illinois Reading Council, Mike Ellerman, Legislative Chair

Louisiana Reading Association, Gerri Settoon, Legislative Chair

State of Maryland IRA Council, Dr. Suzanne Clewell, Legislative Chair

Michigan Reading Association, Cynthia Clingman, Legislative Chair

Oklahoma Reading Association, Pamela Hammon, Legislative Chair

Virginia State Reading Association, Marilyn Schempf, Legislative Chair

Membership Achievement Awards

Gold

Alabama Reading Association

Alberta Provincial Council

British Columbia Literacy Council

Diamond State Reading Association

Georgia Reading Association

Idaho Council

Illinois Reading Council

Iowa Reading Association

Kansas Reading Association

Manitoba Reading Association

Michigan Reading Association

Minnesota Reading Association

Mississippi Reading Association

North of Sixty Council

Oklahoma Reading Association

Saskatchewan Reading Council

South Carolina State Council

Tennessee Reading Association

Utah Council

Vermont Council on Reading

Silver

North Carolina Reading Association

Virginia State Reading Association

Wisconsin State Reading Association

Bronze

Indiana State Reading Association

Ontario Reading Association

State of Maryland IRA Council

Student Membership Achievement Awards

Gold

Massachusetts Reading Association

Ohio Council

Rhode Island State Council

South Dakota State Council

Utah Council

IRA also congratulates the state councils who were given Awards of Excellence and the hundreds of local councils that were named Honor Councils, whether it was their first year or their 30th year! Read about these award winners in the article entitled "2012 IRA Award of Excellence and Honor Council Recipients" on Reading Today Online. 

This article is reprinted from the June/July 2012 issue of Reading Today. IRA members can read the interactive digital version of the magazine here. Nonmembers: join today!