Literacy Now

Join us Aug. 14 for the next IRA Twitter chat focusing on starting the school year “literacy strong.”

With two experts on board, we will be discussing what it means to be strong in literacy and what educators can do to lay a solid foundation as the new year begins. Log on to join the discussion and gain tips for the classroom. Our cohosts this month are Pam Allyn and Melissa Edwards.

Allyn is the founding director of LitWorld, a global literacy initiative serving children across the United States and in more than 60 countries, and LitLife, a cutting-edge consulting group working with schools to enrich best practice teaching methods and building curriculum for reading and writing. She has written more than 20 books, including Your Child’s Writing Life, What To Read When, Best Books for Boys, and Core Ready, and is a spokeswoman for BIC Kids, championing BIC’s 2014 "Fight For Your Write" campaign.

She received the 2013 Scholastic Literacy Champion Award for her work both nationally and globally bringing literacy to underserved communities and was chosen as a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Fellow in April 2014, focusing on racial healing and equity. Allyn recently appeared on NBC News, CNN and Al Jazeera as a thought leader on equity, standards, and literacy in public education.

“Literacy strong is the child who breathes words in and writes them out into the world, the teacher who mentors and models best practice, the school and family community that inspires the child to become a lifelong reader, writer, speaker and listener,” Allyn said.

“Literacy strong is reading the world and writing in your own voice.

“Literacy strong is building muscles for stamina, discovery, joy and independence through the power of words and images.”

You can learn more about Allyn on her website.

Edwards works in Instruction Technology, helping teachers utilize resources and tools to impact student learning.

She began her career as a fourth-grade reading and writing teacher who looked forward to “read-aloud” time each day. She then taught gifted students and struggling readers and, after seeing the unique needs of both groups, she dove into Problem-Based Learning and giving students a variety of outlets of expression. She uses blogs, websites, and other technology with both students and to help teachers find resources for the classroom.  

Edwards said, as an artist at heart, she wants to tap into the creativity she believes to be inside of everyone. She said she’s seen firsthand the ways creative thinking skills can be utilized to make connections and bring together all the pieces of learning.

“I enjoy working with teachers to tap into that creativity and help students think critically, create, collaborate, and take advantage of the learning opportunities all around,” Edwards said.

Being literacy strong “involves exhibiting strength in so many areas,” she added. “Literacy includes not only reading and writing, but also the skills involved in thinking, problem solving, asking questions, analyzing, collaborating, and creating, which lays a good foundation for the effective expression of ideas in a wide range of areas.”

Learn more about Edwards at her blog, Figuring Out How the Pieces Fit….

To get a feel of what IRA chats are all about, here are a few links to summaries of previous chats:

Using Mentor Texts to Teach Writing

Reflections on #IRA14

EdCamp Literacy: An “Unconference” Opportunity

How to chat

To join the conversation, you can simply search for the #IRAchat hashtag in Twitter. If you’re unfamiliar with Twitter, read Fly to Twitter for Online PD for some tips.

We look forward to chatting with you Aug. 14. Please feel free to tweet us with any questions you may have. Just use the #IRAchat hashtag in your tweet and we will do our best to help you with any advice or Twitter troubleshooting.

April Hall is editor of Reading Today Online. You can reach her through e-mail (ahall@/) or Twitter (@mediaapril).

It is with great sadness that the International Reading Association wishes to announce the sudden passing of Dr. Margaret (Nea) Stewart-Dore of Emu Park, Queensland, Australia Saturday, June 28. A celebration of her life was held in the East Chapel of the Rockhampton Crematorium on July 3.

Beloved wife of Colin and sister of John, sister-in-law of Rosalie, aunty to Craig, Ross, Jennifer and their families, Nea leaves behind numerous friends and colleagues in the International Reading Association and Rotary International communities.

Members of the LEADER-SIG and IRARI Partnership SIG are aware of Nea’s long-time service as Founding Chair 2007–2011 and returning Chair in 2014 of the IRARI Partnership SIG. She also worked on numerous committees of the International Reading Association both internationally and in her home country, Australia.

Nea was recognized as a recipient of Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow for Service to Rotary and volunteered as editor of Rotary International’s Literacy Rotarian Action Group (LitRAG) publications. In 2009, Nea received the IRA Maryann Manning Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for her long-time volunteer activities. Nea was the 2013 recipient of the LEADER-SIG Distinguished Service Award in further recognition of her many volunteer contributions.

Remembrances from some of Nea’s colleagues:

“I had some sad news ... the sudden passing of Nea Stewart-Dore. Many of us in the IRA community will miss her spunk and her significant volunteer contributions. She did so much to support IRA's partnership with Rotary. Nea was a personal friend; it was always great to chat with her at LEADER events. She wrote an important chapter on adolescent literacy instruction in Australia for one of my books. She was a valued member of the Australia Literacy Education Association. RIP, Nea.”

- Jill Lewis-Spector, President, International Reading Association

“Our Nea with such a wonderful spirit of love and care for Rotary and for literacy! What an honor for both of us to have received Maryann Manning award together in 2009. It was a proud moment and an honor to be on stage together. She was a wonderful friend...”

- Judith Casey, Colorado Springs, Col.

“Nea had been a driving force within the early days of IDOC and IRARI. She had attended almost every IRA Convention. Nea did so much In Australia in many areas of literacy education, particularly with a focus on the middle years. Her work in ALEA and IDOC has made both organizations what they are today.  Nea’s lasting legacy will always be with us and future educators.”

- Jan Turbill, Australia

“Nea was a great IRA member and promoter of literacy in Australia. She was very active in IRA, IRARI SIG, and LEADER SIG. Knowing she was a previous recipient of the Maryann Manning Outstanding Volunteer Award made the award extra special for me in 2013 in San Antonio. Her passing was very much a surprise.”

- Paul Haupt El Paso, Texas

“Although I only knew Nea for about five years, I always looked to her as the “go-to” person for IRARI.  Being one of the primary founders of this SIG she knew it from the inside out and did whatever she could to both support and promote it worldwide.  Nea continually exemplified the true spirit of volunteerism, always going the extra mile especially where literacy and Rotary were concerned.  When there were questions about IRARI, Nea could answer them.  When there was a task to be taken on at the administrative level, Nea would step forward to do it.  When there was a need for a creative approach to promoting IRARI, Nea could be counted on to lead the charge.  When a document related to the SIG needed wordsmithing, Nea used her way with words and editing skills to make it sound just right.  Finally, when IRARI needed a strong supporter, Nea was our lead cheerleader.  Nea will truly be missed, most certainly by close friends and family, but by all who knew her as an amazing lady who most certainly did transform lives, worldwide, in the name of literacy.  Like a good book, through her works and spirit, she will keep on giving.  Thanks, Nea.”

- Judy Backlund, IRARI, Past Chair, Ellensburg, Wash.

“Nea was a devoted supporter of literacy through her work with both the International Reading Association and Rotary International at all levels. She will be remembered for her spirit of volunteerism, her wise leadership, and her cheerful determination.”

- C. Garth Brooks, Ottawa, ON, Canada

The International Reading Association (IRA) released two statements recently to update the organization’s positions on vital literacy issues—the use of high-stakes assessments for high school graduation and grade retention decisions and the benefits of leisure reading for students.

The position statement on high stakes assessment expresses concern about the "overemphasis" on these assessments for both student and teacher evaluation, and Dr. Jill Lewis-Spector, IRA President and task force chair, notes this has led to a considerable amount of test prep rather than student learning.

“Further, effective classroom teachers know the unique needs of each student,” she said. “When they have the freedom to address these through authentic and engaging experiences building upon each student’s talents and developing students’ multiple literacies, the learning is deeper and more meaningful.”

The impact of grade retention and withholding diplomas from high school students has been short-term gains, at best, but the Rand Corporation’s 2009 review of studies showed virtually no evidence of academic improvement, said Lewis-Spector, professor emerita of literacy education at New Jersey City University. In the case of high school students, withholding graduation seems to increase the likelihood that student will drop out of school completely, to say nothing of the stress and helpless feelings students experience when facing “failure.”

It is the position of IRA that a number of measures, including informal observations, formative assessments of schoolwork and consideration of out-of literacies should be factored into decisions, in addition to standardized formal measures. Teachers, students and their families should also have input before retention or graduation decisions are made.

To shape future discussion of assessments, IRA recommends professional development of assessment strategies for teachers and an open dialog between administrators and professional literacy groups, including IRA.

“Our members are knowledgeable about literacy instruction, well-versed in related research, and contribute to our knowledge base through their research and writing,” Lewis-Spector said. “We encourage school administrators and other school leaders who may not be as knowledgeable about literacy development and instruction to be guided by IRA’s publications as well as the research our members have done and the positions our organization takes on topics of such importance as this one.”

In a separate position statement, IRA encouraged the use of “leisure reading” whenever possible for students. The freedom of choice in books stimulates comprehension, vocabulary, general knowledge, and a lifelong motivation to read.

“When there is choice, students are more likely to read books that interest them, and thus, feel a sense of commitment to reading them,” said IRA Board member Shelley Stagg Peterson, corresponding author of the statement. “In my experience, it is difficult to find one book that is of interest to a group of 25 individuals, whether they are children, young adults or adults.”
Offering different book selections in one classroom is a benefit, not only in student exposure to a wide variety of material, but also for the student who will summarize a book for classmates. New ideas and emotional responses will be shared, said Stagg Peterson, a professor of literacy at the University of Toronto.

“Children can explore ideas by talking with others,” she said. “There might be something that doesn’t quite fit with their views of the world and they need to mull over the ideas and get input from others to make sense of it.

“The pleasure that they experience is deepened when others show excitement or other strong emotional responses to the books.”

Technology can facilitate discussion outside of the classroom via chat groups. E-readers also allow students to take notes on the books and consult annotated lists and glossaries for the books.
For the leisure reading statement, IRA partnered with the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

April Hall is editor of Reading Today Online. You can reach her through e-mail (ahall@/) or Twitter (@mediaapril).

Beginning August 1, 2014, the International Reading Association will accept applications for the editorships of The Reading Teacher (RT) and the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy (JAAL). These prestigious editorships function as two-person teams of either two coeditors or one editor with one associate editor. These volunteer positions have six-year terms: The first year overlaps with the final year of the current editorship, and the subsequent years constitute the volumes for which the new editors provide material.

Editor searches open: August 1, 2014
Application deadline: October 15, 2014
Term: June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2021
Volumes: RT 70–74, publishing July 2016–May 2021; JAAL 60–64, publishing July 2016–May 2021

RT is the leading peer-reviewed journal for educators of literacy learners up to age 12. Its special emphasis is primary and elementary classroom instruction, and its readership consists of school-based educators, university researchers and scholars, literacy consultants, administrators, and policymakers.

JAAL is the leading peer-reviewed journal for educators of literacy learners ages 12 and older. The journal reflects current theory, research, and practice in support of effective literacy instruction. Readership includes middle school, secondary, and postsecondary classroom teachers; university researchers and scholars; literacy consultants; administrators; and policymakers.

Applicants must be members of IRA, recognized experts in the field of literacy education of learners in the journal’s intended age group, and demonstrate a commitment to translating sound research to practice.

More information and application instructions will be available at / when the searches open August 1. 

It’s almost here! Are you getting excited for the International Reading Association 59^th Annual Conference in New Orleans? Do you still have questions about which sessions to attend or how to make the most of your conference experience? Well, you’re in luck! We’re hosting an #IRAchat focused on helping you gear up for #IRA14. Join us on Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. CST.

 Our host for the evening will be international speaker and education consultant @iChrisLehman. He’ll be guiding the discussion and seeking your input on what you’re looking forward to and what you hope to get out of your time in New Orleans.

 Even if you’re unable to join us physically in New Orleans, this chat will be the perfect opportunity to make connections with your peers who are making the trip. All are welcome to chat and we know there will be plenty of resource sharing and excitement to go around.

To get a better idea what you can expect, check out the highlights of some of our previous #IRAchats and get ready to dive right in!

Stopping the Summer Slide

Motivation & Engagement with Book Clubs

Project Based Learning

How to Chat

To join the conversation, you can simply search for the #IRAchat hashtag in Twitter. If you’re unfamiliar with Twitter, you can learn how to get started and make the most of your experience by reading “Harnessing the Educational Power of Twitter.”

We look forward to chatting with you on Thursday and please feel free to tweet us with any questions you may have. Just use the #IRAchat hashtag in your tweet and we will do our best to help you with any advice or Twitter troubleshooting.

Chelsea Simens is a strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.