This article reports on the results of a survey examining the perceptions of university faculty regarding the importance of graduate programs preparing reading specialists for a leadership role. The results of the survey indicate that slightly more that half of the programs require a leadership course and less than half of the reading specialist…

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)

This case study explores the professional identity of one reading specialist, Marsha, who struggled with testing pressures at her urban elementary school in the U.S. It offers an in-depth look at how Marsha's instructional decisions and practices in a pull-out reading program aimed at helping English Language Learners (ELL) shifted when she was…

Professional development should be a career-long process in which teachers tweak their teaching methodology, practices, and style to meet student needs. Is there a better place to offer professional development opportunities than at "ground zero"? This paper outlines one school's attempt to bring quality professional development to the…

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…

What role must principals play in order to effectively support literacy coaching efforts? This is a question that many educators have begun to ask (Burkins, 2007; Casey, 2006; Kral, 2007; Shanklin, 2007; Steiner & Kowal, 2007; Toll, 2008). Some suggest that principals can establish close relationships with literacy coaches by offering a number…

Advises reading professionals on how to approach legal testimony as an expert witness. (AEA)

Standardized tests are increasingly used to determine students' growth in reading comprehension. In some U.S. school districts, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has led to a focus on multiple-choice questions to better prepare students for these types of tests. Even though such questions can provide some important information, they do not…

Clarifies the resource role of the reading consultant in providing inservice programs which are functional, timely, and interesting and in assisting teachers in everyday class settings through demonstration lessons, visits, and informal encounters. (MD)

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)

Describes how one reading consultant allocated time to meet the major responsibilities outlined in a job description. (RB)

Suggests standards for hiring reading specialists. (MKM)

Reports an interview between the instructor in a university undergraduate reading methods course and the reading supervisor for a public school. The interview suggests that collaboration between colleges and public schools can strengthen preservice teacher education by helping students bridge the gap between preparation and practice. (FL)

Cites needs of reading and language arts professionals that can be met with the help of a computer and describes "The Storage and Retrieval of Bibliographic References." (FL)