Several sessions at the ILA 2018 Conference, taking place in Austin, TX, July 20–23, tie to Standards 2017 in terms of its topics or roles. In this three-part blog series, Standards 2017 project cochairs Rita M. Bean, University of Pittsburgh, PA, and Diane E. Kern, University of Rhode Island, identify sessions you don’t want to miss:

Add these Saturday offerings to your schedule*:

• Meet the Standards 2017 Lead Writers for a Q & A: At this presentation, members of the revision committee will provide an overview of Standards 2017, explain how the revision effort was conducted, highlight important new changes, and answer questions.
• Conversations From the Field on Impact of Literacy Learning: In a generative panel discussion format, literacy leaders (principals, coaches, teachers, and teacher educators) will address the roles of Foundational Knowledge and Curriculum and Instruction (Standards 2017 topics) in building teacher writing capacity and positively impacting student outcomes.
• ILA 2017 Standards: Preparing Effective Classroom Literacy Teachers: Presenters (Standards 2017 cochairs and members of the writing team) will discuss the new standards and their potential for influencing teacher preparation. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with presenters.
• Bridging Theory and Practice Through Service Learning in an Early Literacy Classroom: This session will walk the audience through a semester-long journey of literacy tutoring in an urban public school by students taking early literacy teaching methods course. The students kept blogs to reflect on their teaching and learning, which will guide a discussion around Professional Learning and Leadership (a Standards 2017 topic).
• Disturbing the Universe: Creating a New Normal in the High School English Classroom: Led by a high school classroom teacher (a Standards 2017 role), this session will explore a different model of English class, a model centered on authentic engagement of all students. Attendees will leave energized with activities, student-centered reading and writing structures, and book ideas to help align their Curriculum and Instruction (a Standards 2017 topic) with their individual students or with the classroom community.
• Virtual Literacy Coaching: Tools and Possibilities: Designed for literacy coaches (a Standards 2017 role), this session will explore Practicum/Clinical Experiences (a Standards 2017 topic) for candidates, including ideas about virtual literacy coaching with technology and digital tools. Participants will explore how to invite coaches into a coaching partnership, give lesson feedback through video tools and interactive documents, create coaching tool kits, and provide personalized professional development to teachers. Attendees should bring a mobile device and plan to engage with multiple digital tools that can enhance their literacy coaching.
• ILA Certificate of Distinction for Literacy Professional Preparation: The ILA Certificate of Distinction (CoD) is awarded to undergraduate and graduate programs that meet specific levels of excellence tied to Standards 2017. The initial focus will be on programs preparing reading/literacy specialists. After an overview of the application and review process, there will be opportunities for Q & A.
• Teaching Speaking: Developing the Most Important Language Art: Merging Foundational Knowledge and Curriculum and Instruction (Standards 2017 topics), this session will deliver a practical, multiple-trait framework for understanding and teaching the skills involved in oral communication. Attendees will leave with effective lessons, activities, and rubrics.

Don’t miss Bean and Kern’s workshop, ILA/CAEP Reading/Literacy Specialist Program Writers and Reviewers. Alongside researchers, teacher educators, and CAEP representatives, they’ll provide an overview of standards and the key changes; review model assessments, rubrics, and scoring guides; and share the most recent developments from CAEP. Attendees are encouraged to bring sample assessments and questions. Individual 30-minute consultations will be available.

*Please note: Both Institute Day and the ILA/CAEP Workshop require an additional fee and are not included in the cost of registration for Core Conference.

Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017 is available here.

Alina O'Donnell is the communications strategist at ILA and the editor of Literacy Daily.