Literacy Matters: News You Can Use
February 2008
FOR-PD would like to take time to announce our new director, Ms. Saioa de Urquiza, M.Ed. Saioa is currently serving as FOR-PD Interim Director. Saioa brings knowledge of large scale educational projects and also has experience with the FOR-PD project. Vicky Zygouris-Coe, Ph.D. continues to serve as principal investigator of FOR-PD. The two will be working closely with the FOR-PD team. Please feel free to contact us with questions and feedback about FOR-PD.
Sincerely,
The FOR-PD Staff
What's Hot, What's Not for 2008
The International Reading Association's 2008 list of What's Hot, What's Not in literacy contains many hot issues this year, with one topic not making it into the hot catergory for the first time in 12 years: phonics instruction.
"Very hot" issues included:
- adolescent literacy
- English as a second language/English-language learners
- early intervention
- fluency
- high-stakes assessment
- informational/nonfiction texts
- literacy coaches/reading coaches
- response to intervention
- scientific evidence-based reading research and instruction
Each year literacy leaders are interviewed either in person or by phone. All literacy leaders are read a standard 178-word paragraph defining "hot" or "not hot." It is important to note that the ratings of "hot" or "not hot" do not necessarily reflect the literacy leader's personal interest, or lack thereof, in a given topic. The ratings refer to the level of attention a given topic is currently receiving.
After hearing the introductory paragraph, each respondent is asked to rate a given topic as "hot" or "not hot." Each respondent is then asked if the topic "should be hot" or "should not be hot." The resulting chart with the topics rated is then published. The purpose of the survey is to acquaint readers with issues that are receiving attention in order to encourage them to investigate these topics in more depth.
To view the chart, please visit the IRA What's Hot, What's Not chart.
Looking Ahead: 11th Anniversary of NEA’s Read Across America!
The National Education Association (NEA) annually sponsors Read Across America. Approaching its eleventh year, NEA's Read Across America focuses the country's attention on how important it is to motivate children to read in addition to helping them master basic skills.
NEA launched the Read Across America program in 1997. The nationwide reading celebration takes place each year on March 3, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss, who epitomizes a love of learning. Dr. Seuss's use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful.
Check out the toolkit for ideas for your celebration.
Final Public Hearing on Proposed Science Standards Held
Commissioner Eric J. Smith held the final public hearing on the Student Performance Science Standards on February 11, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Orlando Hyatt in the Orlando International Airport. The hearing included a presentation on the process used to develop the finalized standards, followed by the opportunity for public input.
To view the proposed standards, visit the Florida Department of Education Office of Math and Science
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About the Literacy Newsletter
FOR-PD's Literacy newsletter deals specifically with literacy and learning for K-12 teachers of Florida's public schools. As you read and review our newsletter you will find information on local, state, and federal literacy news, upcoming conferences, celebrations, sources of funding, resources on the World Wide Web, and resources you can use with your students. The participant section answers pertinent questions participants have about the course and provides helpful tips for successful completion. We hope that this newsletter will provide educators with useful information to support their literacy development and the work they do with Florida students.
We welcome your feedback on how we can better support you and help you grow professionally. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.
Florida Online Reading Professional Development
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Orlando, FL 32826
866-227-7261
407-207-4965 (Fax)
forpd@mail.ucf.edu
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Last Updated:
January 28, 2008