Literacy Now

The 2011 Asian Literacy Conference (ALC2011) in conjunction with the 7th LITCON (International Conference on Literacy) and the 4th ILLC (International Language Learning Conference) was held from October 11 to 13 at the Berjaya Georgetown Hotel in Penang, Malaysia.

It was organized by the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation (Universiti Sains Malaysia), the International Literacy Research Unit (Universiti Sains Malaysia), the National Higher Education Research Institute of Malaysia, the International Reading Association, and the International Development in Asia Committee.

In today’s highly globalized world, complex issues have emerged in the field of language and literacy development. Over centuries, language and literacy education has provided mankind with the perspectives, approaches and pedagogies which have helped to shape knowledge, policies and worldviews across the globe.

It is therefore only reasonable to continue to persist in efforts to understand what language and literacy development really is in today’s context. In addition, there is also an urgent need to seek richer, more inclusive, and sustainable views as well as methodologies to sustain new contexts, new peoples, new identities, new cultures and practices, new modes of meaning, and of course, new media.

The conference, named "Language and Literacy in the Local and Global Contexts: Success Stories and Unfolding Narratives," aimed to provide an arena for interested parties to contribute their success stories and unfold narratives on their experiences in language and literacy education. It also aimed to provide an opportunity for discussion and critique on issues relating to language and literacy development in today’s increasingly borderless world.

The sub-themes of the conference included:
o Teachers, learners and literacy practices
o Language and literacy
o Sustainable education
o Sustainable digital literacy
o Inclusive research methodology
o Citizenship and values (innovative policies, intercultural communication, etc.)

The invited speakers and their presentation titles were:
o Mary Kalantzis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, New learning and new literacies
o Ng Seok Moi, University of Auckland, New Zealand, Retelling, an unfolding narrative
o Mohan Chinnappan, University of Wollongong, Australia, Numeracy and the development of a scientifically literate workforce in a borderless world
o Sakil Malik, International Reading Association, USA, Reading for all by 2020
o Maryann Manning, University of Alabama at Birmingham & International Reading Association, USA, Changing literacy: Don’t be a tourist
o Ryuko Kubota, University of British Columbia, Canada, Clinical approaches to language and culture: Teaching Japanese and other languages
o David Wray, University of Warwick, UK, Learners’ uses of mobile learning devices
o Bill Cope, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, Web writing: An introduction to the "Scholar" research and development project
o Jenny Lim, Corporate Social Investments (APAC), NOKIA Corporation, Mobile solutions in education and literacy

The following four books featuring selected papers from LITCON 2009 were also launched at the conference:
o Forging Unity Amidst Diversity: From the Classroom and Beyond
o Curriculum Development, Materials Design and Methodologies
o Teaching and Learning in Diverse Contexts: Issues and Approaches
o Teaching and Learning Language: Current Trends and Practices

*Selected papers in the current conference’s proceedings will be published in 2013

Approximately 160 papers were presented at the conference over the course of three days. More than 350 individuals, from Malaysia and 22 other countries worldwide, attended the ALC2011.

The December/January issue of Reading Today, the International Reading Association's member magazine, will contain more information about this exciting conference.

First Photo: The publication of three books from selected papers on literacy from the previous literacy conference in 2009 given to the Deputy Education Minister by the Deputy vice chancellor USM.

Second Photo: The signing of MOU by the vice chancellors on literacy and research activities between USM and Azad Research University Iran.

 

Global Operations at the International Reading Association (IRA)

IRA 57th Annual Convention in April 2012 

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As part of our series featuring state councils, we spoke with Kim Burris, President of the West Virginia Reading Association (WVRA). Their annual conference is fastly approaching: it will be held in White Sulphur Springs on November 17 and 18. You may have read about West Virginia on Reading Today Online or in the August/September issue of Reading Today. (IRA Members click here to read the interactive digital version of the magazine.) Kim shared her passion for the Association in her answers to the following questions. 

1. Are you especially proud of any of your council's projects? 

I'm proud of WVRA for achieving the IRA Five Star Award of Excellence for nine years. We work well with our state department of educaiton and we want to continue the strong ties between our organization and our state department of education. I'm also proud of the following council projects: 

• Studies and Research Committee (This is a very active committee that picks something current in education, studies it, and disseminates information out to members. The committee chair involves people from all over the state with various backgrounds.  She is my shining start in mentoring and branching out to people.)  
• Parents and Reading Honor Council (Local councils are awarded this status if they complete projects/activities involving parents with reading.) 
• WVRA Honor Presidents (This is awarded to local council presidents who have completed several projects promoting their local councils and reading within their county/community.) 

2. What are the benefits of joining your council?

Our association is the largest curriculum based organization in the state. Members receive the "Interchange" (our council's newsletter) four times a year, information from the Studies and Research Committee, and a reduced registration rate to the annual conference. 

3. Are there any future projects in store for your council?

We are working hard on expanding our association by "Connecting, Communicating, and Collaborating." We also have started a new membership category this year for students in middle school and high school. We are hoping to build this throughout the state. Our first student council has a goal of becoming an IRA Council!

4. How does one join your council?

Membership information is on our website at wvreading.com. 

5. Is there a website, newsletter, or another way to find more information about your council? Is there a person that prospective members can contact? 

Our website is wvreading.com. You can find information about our annual conference and most of our projects and awards. There is contact information for all our officers and committee chairs. Our Director of Membership Development is Ering Albaugh and her email is erin_albaugh@hotmail.com. People can also contact me at wvra@suddenlink.net for information.

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Special Interest Group: TILE-SIG

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IRA State Councils

IRA 2012 Convention in Chicago

 

by Katie Branca

In October 2010, sixteen International Reading Association (IRA) members from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand boarded a plane for Israel. The delegation spent nine days overseas, exploring Israeli history and culture, while diving into the details of the country’s literacy education system.

The unique educational expectations in Israel are what first caught the attention of former board member Taffy Raphael when she was planning the trip. In Israel, every citizen is expected to become literate in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, without exception. “The American microcosm is concentrated in Israel,” Raphael says. “If you think about how the United States has struggled with how to best support students who are learning new languages, that’s a primary issue in Israel.”

Pamela Mason, who teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, is sure that what she saw in Israel will impact how she prepares her students. “My responsibility is to train these literacy educators not only to teach different types of learners but also in terms of different political expectations.”

Seeing Things First Hand

The delegates had the opportunity to witness Israel’s education system at work and to discuss best practices among themselves. At the Kibbutz School of Education, teachers introduced the delegation to a successful clinical model where groups of students are brought in periodically so that student teachers can practice a variety of lesson plans and become confi dent in the
classroom.

At the Center for Educational Technology in Tel Aviv, directors explained how professional development resources are changing. The largest producer of textbooks and resources in Israel has now turned to digital books and the Internet to improve teacher resources.

Seeking to understand how Israeli educators teach growing numbers of immigrants, delegates visited the Ulpan Etzion Campus in Jerusalem. The absorption center supports multiple classrooms for language instruction, as well as a Hebrew immersion program where residents can learn the language intensively.

Delegates were also able to foster more tangible ties between Israel and the United States. While visiting the Alon High School in Ramat Hasharon, Israel, administrators agreed to begin a partnership with RJ Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts in Hartford, Connecticut.

Pamela Totten-Alvarado, a delegate and principal of the Kinsella Magnet School, looks forward to working with the Alon School long-term. “It is collectively our vision that the students from both schools will embrace each other’s passion for the arts through the use of technology,” she says.

The Exhibit in Orlando

Months after returning home, Angela Fortune, a delegation member, sat on the floor of her living room sorting photographs. Creating an exhibit for the IRA 56th Annual Convention in Orlando was the perfect opportunity to share the experience with others, even if it left her covered in double-stick tape.

After weeks of taping, gluing, and stapling, the exhibit display was complete and ready for convention. Three-dimensional props, layers of photographs, and heart-felt quotes from delegates jumped from the poster board and welcomed passersby.

“We had very good traffic flow and a lot of great questions,” Taffy Raphael shares.

What’s more, Dr. Shlomo Alon from Israel’s Ministry of Education joined the delegation at convention and spent a great deal of time with the exhibit. Delegates had especially enjoyed speaking with him overseas, and Fortune felt it was a highlight of the trip. “It was really exciting to meet with a leader of their educational system,” she says. “So we really highlighted that in the presentation.”

Beyond Best Practice

For many delegates, however, meeting with leaders and exploring best practices accounted for only half of their experience. Some, like delegate Kathleen Gill, as classroom teacher from Ohio, found being in the presence of so many passionate educators overwhelming.

“There are some life experiences that are so transformative that words just seem to fail,” she says. “Having had the chance to take part in this experience and connect with people who all share the same vision was a personal and professional experience of a lifetime.”

Twyla Miranda, a delegate from Texas Wesleyan University, also felt a sense of unity. “I learned we are similar,” she says. “We want all learners to be thoughtful, lifelong readers.” 

 

This article also appeared in the October/November 2011 issue of Reading Today. 

 

The year 2011 marks the 19th time that the Central Jamaica Reading Association has engaged educational institutions and communities in observing International Literacy Day. 

The association distributed copies of a message from Ms. Irina Bokovo, Director General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and informative comments from the International Reading Association to educational institutions in the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth. Educators were encouraged to utilize the message and comments to refl ect the theme “Literacy for Peace.”Additionally, members of community organizations were involved in reading to children. 

Many schools emphasized the importance of the day and the theme: “Literacy for Peace” during morning assemblies. Later, teachers engaged students in creative activities reflecting the theme.

deCarteret College, Mandeville

One highlight of the day’s activities began with the visit to deCarteret College by Mr. Calvin Lyn, Acting Custos Rotulorum of Manchester, and Dr. V. Elaine Carter, President of the Central Jamaica Reading Association and International Consultant in Education. Here, Acting Principal Ms. Angela Walker extended welcome. Dr. Carter spoke of the signifi cance of the day, highlighting the theme “Literacy for Peace,” and encouraged teachers to engage students in creative activities reflecting the theme. She read the poem entitled “All We Want is Peace,” by Gordon David, highlighting the relationship between literacy and peace.

Mr. Lyn read the message, which included the following salient points:
• International Literacy Day places a focus on literacy and peace.
• Peace is founded on human rights and social justice.
• Literacy is a pre-requisite for peace. It cuts social boundaries.
• Illiteracy is an infringement on human rights and promotes poverty, which can lead to criminality. 

Some benefits of literacy are:
• It enables people to develop their cultural identity and diversity.
• It promotes respect and tolerance.
• It gives people the skills needed to seek meaningful employment.
• It enables countries and governments to achieve sustainable development.

Mr. Lyn encouraged the students to be peaceful, compassionate, understanding, and they should try to settle conflicts in a non-violet manner. Using the acronym R.O.A.D., he elaborated on:
• R - respect for teachers, themselves and others
• O - obedience to teachers, parents, and the rules of the institution 
• A - ambition: students should strive to achieve their ambition while in school
• D - discipline: students should be disciplined in their study habits and display good behavior at all times

Hatfield Primary and Junior High School, Hatfield, Manchester

Ms. Elsa Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Manchester Division, Mandeville, addressed the students of Hatfi eld Primary and Junior High School on the theme “Literacy for Peace.” Assistant Superintendent Smith expressed her appreciation to join with the Central Jamaica Reading Association in observing International Literacy Day. Referring to the Mission of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (the Police), she indicated that the preservation of peace is a major responsibility. However, the Police cannot do it alone. International Literacy Day provides the opportunity to help in promoting literacy as a means of being proactive in helping to preserve the peace in schools and the wider community.

Assistant Superintendent Smith expressed the thought that, “If we are able to get more of our students to become literate, that is, being able to read for knowledge, write well and think critically, then we are definitely on our way to achieve a more peaceful society.”

She continued, “Through literacy, you will be able to achieve your goals and potential and participate fully in your community and wider society. When you are literate, you are able to handle information effectively, express ideas, make decisions, and solve problems as family members, workers, citizens, and lifelong learners.” 

Smith informed the students and teachers that in keeping with the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, students have the right to:

• Free primary education
• An education in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, and equality
• Protection against unlawful arrest

Kendal All Age School, Kendal, Manchester

The Reading Room at Kendal All Age School was an ideal environment to foster literacy. Dr. Carter gave parents and teachers an overview of the rationale for International Literacy Day, emphasizing the “Literacy for Peace” theme. Earlier, teachers and students discussed the relevance of the day to education.

In extending congratulations to the teachers of Kendal for establishing the Reading Club, Dr. Carter reminded parents that reading forms the basis for all other areas of learning and asked parents to support the club. Parents were also reminded that they were the fi rst teachers for their children, and involvement in their children’s education would help them to increase their knowledge base and help to attain success for their children.

Mandeville Regional Hospital

At the Mandeville Regional Hospital, Mr. Calvin Lyn and Dr. Elaine Carter read to children in the hospital wards. Retired teachers and members of community organizations offered guidance to young mothers in the Pediatric Ward of the hospital on their roles of reading to their infant children. 

 

International Literacy Day 

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Global Operations at the International Reading Association

 

A conference focusing on the 2012 “hot issues” in literacy will be held on February 3 and 4, 2012, at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. 

The issues highlighted in the October/November Reading Today article will be discussed in depth. Any profits from the conference will be used to fund two non-profit groups: the IRA Special Interest Group Specialized Literacy Professionals and the newly formed Texas Association for Literacy Education (TALE). It is hoped that TALE will be the newest IRA affiliated state organization by the end of January 2012.

Among the speakers at the summit are a number of past Board members of IRA including past presidents Jerry Johns of Northern Illinois University and Jack Cassidy, Executive Secretary of the Specialized Literacy Professionals. Former Board member Jill Lewis-Spector from New Jersey City University will also be a featured speaker. Barbara Marinak, from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Maryland, co-chair of the IRA Task force on Response to Intervention (RTI) will be speaking on recent research and practice for RTI. Rich Long, IRA’s Director of Governmental Relations, will be providing legislative updates and funding sources. 

This summit will be the first national conference sponsored by an IRA SIG. All proposals will be refereed by a national panel. Proposals for sessions, poster sessions, and institutes are being accepted until November 15, 2011. More information, including proposal forms, is available on-line at: http://www.literacysummitwhatshot2012.com.