Learning to read is a primary task of students at the beginning of their elementary years. For some students, learning to read is a struggle. Support for struggling students often comes from reading specialists who can provide further support beyond the classroom through Title I services. Support has not been consistent since March 2020, due to…

This study describes and analyzes a field experience that has provided advanced literacy specialist candidates the context for advancing their understanding of professional leadership through the lens of a literacy coach. The field experience described was born out of the ongoing work of teacher educators at a small, independent, liberal arts…

The 2020-2021 school year has been like no other. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools across the United States have reduced in-person learning for students to a few days per week or have been physically closed for most of the school year. In this Data Note, researchers use surveys of teachers and…

The Texas Literacy Initiative (TLI) was first implemented in Austin Independent School District during the 2012-2013 school year. This report summarizes Fall 2014 survey responses from administrators at TLI campuses.

This authoritative text and practitioner resource has now been extensively revised and expanded with 70% new material covering new topics and standards in literacy leadership. Prominent experts present research-based methods for improving instruction, assessment, and professional learning experiences in PreK-12. The distinct roles of teachers,…

Austin Independent School District's Texas Literacy Initiative (TLI) was a grant-funded effort to improve students' school readiness and success in the areas of language and literacy in the Johnson, Lanier, and Travis vertical teams of schools. This report summarizes results from a survey sent to TLI teachers in Fall 2013 to obtain their feedback…

Austin Independent School District's Texas Literacy Initiative (TLI) was a grant-funded effort to improve students' school readiness and success in the areas of language and literacy in the Johnson, Lanier, and Travis vertical teams of schools. A survey was sent to TLI campus reading coaches and specialists in Fall 2013 to obtain their feedback on…

Teacher shortages have real impact on schools, students, and communities. A gap of one teacher in a school means diminished opportunities for students. And, like many challenges in public education, the pain of teacher shortages is not distributed equitably: The communities that suffer the most from teacher shortages are often low-income and…

This descriptive qualitative case study explored the changing role of the reading specialist through various perceptions of professionals in the Neon Shadow School District. The purpose of the study was to explore what, how, and why the duties and responsibilities of the reading specialist have changed since first employed as an…

As a foundational element of schooling, learning to read and reading to learn is every bit as important in the 21st century as it has ever been. Whether interacting online, doing assignments, taking tests, or social networking, the ability to read and read well affects every part of one's existence and often predicts success throughout life. In…

Presents numerous suggestions for effective and efficient meetings, including: deciding on the meeting's purpose and outcome; preparing and sending out an agenda before the meeting; starting meetings on time; using a variety of strategies for reaching decisions and solving problems; and compiling and distributing minutes as soon as possible. (RS)

Research has identified certain comprehension strategies that seem to work in an optimal manner to increase the reading comprehension of K-12 students. However, little evidence exists about whether teachers use identified, research-based strategies when teaching. In view of the critical nature of literacy achievement for diverse populations and…

Reflects on and evaluates the author's past year as a reading resource consultant in a program that has moved from a pullout reading program to a mainstreaming one. (SR)

Suggests standards for hiring reading specialists. (MKM)

Reviews some models of the reading consultant's role and of the way change occurs and suggests that reading consultants function as clinicians and as consultant/trainers as they work to bring about change in a school district. (TJ)