Education Commons^™

Outstanding Educational Performance Awards: Highlighting Top Achieving Arkansas Schools, 2009, Bentley R. Kirkland, James V. Shuls, Caleb P. Rose, Nathan C. Jensen, Gary W. Ritter

Arkansas Education Reports

Since our founding in 2003, the mission of the Office for Education Policy has been to look at pressing issues through the lens of academic research and disseminate our findings to educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders around Arkansas. Every once in a while, however, we think it is okay to stray from issue analysis and simply share some good news! So, in this Arkansas Education Report (AER) we merely aim to highlight excellent performance and give our congratulations. To that end, we are happy to highlight the top performing schools around the state in an annual AER entitled the Outstanding …

Successful Sustainable Literacy Practice For Indigenous Students, Nola Purdie

Indigenous Education Research

The author discusses current approaches to the literacy education of Indigenous students within the context of best practice literacy education for all students. Issues addressed include: Literacy and disadvantaged groups; Literacy programs for Indigenous Australian Students; Teachers and literacy learning; Assessment and measurement of literacy learning; and good literacy curriculum.

Working For And With Latino/Latina Immigrant Newcomers In The English Language Arts Classroom, Bernadette Musetti, Spencer Salas, Theresa Perez

Faculty and Research Publications

The article discusses how the English language arts practitioners work with the Latin immigrants who are newcomers in learning English language in middle and high school in the U.S. Accordingly, practitioners provide more instructional time to contextualized learning and literacy on first and second language and advocate them to attain a high level of literacy. Moreover, it states that the literacy development of the newcomers must be anchored in patience, flexibility and conscientiousness.

The Black-White Achievement Gap Amongst Struggling Readers: A Case Study Of Early Intervention Outcomes In Massachusetts, Emily Dexter, Jessica Simon

NERA Conference Proceedings 2009

A number of analyses of large data sets have suggested that the reading achievement gap between African American and White U.S. is negligible or small at school entry, but widens substantially during the school years because African American students show slower rates of growth in elementary and secondary school. Identifying when and why gaps occur, therefore, is a an important research endeavor. In addition, being able to predict which African American children are most likely to fall behind can contribute to efforts to close the achievement gap. This paper analyzes first grade and third grade data on African American and …

Language And Speech Predictors Of Reading Achievement In Preschool Children With Language Disorders, Juliet K. Haarbauer-Krupa

Communication Sciences and Disorders Dissertations

ABSTRACT LANGUAGE AND SPEECH PREDICTORS OF READING ACHIEVEMENT IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH LANGUAGE DISORDERS by Juliet K. Haarbauer-Krupa The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the relationship between language and reading in children diagnosed with developmental language disorder (DLD) during preschool. An archival data set was available for analysis. Preschool children with DLD who were assessed between 35 and 74 months for preschool language and speech abilities (Rapin, 1996) returned for language, speech and reading testing at age seven years. Children who enrolled in the study were a clinically referred sample, met criteria for average nonverbal intellectual functioning, …

Laying The Foundation For Literacy (Full Report), Syracuse University. Maxwell School. Community Benchmarks Program

Community Benchmarks Program

The purpose of this report is to provide baseline data for eight indicators developed by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County (LCOC) to measure the organization’s success in achieving their mission of 100% literacy through 100% Community Engagement.

1. Percent of children who are read to daily 2. Percent of incoming kindergarteners prepared for school. 3. Percent of K-12 students meeting proficiency standards on New York State English and Language Arts assessment. 4. Percent of youth graduating from high school. 5. Percent of adult learners who make educational gain. 6. Percent of adult learners entering or retaining employment. 7. Percent …

Gjr Volume 22 Number 2 Fall 2009, Elizabeth Pendergraft, Elizabeth Lilly

The Georgia Journal of Reading Archive

The Georgia Journal of Reading's Fall 2009 issue theme is 'Literacy Theory Into Practice: What is Working' and includes:

Message From the Editor by Elizabeth Pendergraft (pg. 5)

Organically Grown: Development of the Georgia State University Urban Literacy by Clinic Lori Elliott and Nancy Lee Daily (pg.6)

University-School Partnerships: A True Story of How They Work and Who They Help by Loleta D. Sartin and Vicki Luther (pg. 9)

An Efficient Reading Diagnosis and Effective Intervention Plan Provides Answers for Parents and Teachers by Sallie Averitt Miller and Jeffery T. Conklin (pg. 15)

The Five Components of Reading Workshop: Preservice …

Literacy And Numeracy Diagnostic Tools : An Evaluation, Margaret Forster

Monitoring Learning

Within the context of a national drive to improve literacy and numeracy learning, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is looking at the possibility of developing a set of literacy and numeracy diagnostic tools for use in Australian schools. This scoping study—a relatively small scale piece of work designed as a first step from which DEEWR might move forward—is not a direct study of ‘what works to improve literacy and numeracy’. Its focus is on the identification and evaluation of the print and on-line literacy and numeracy diagnostic tools used currently in Australian schools. Particular attention is …

Principals As Partners With Literacy Coaches: Striking A Balance Between Neglect And Interference, Jacy Ippolito

Jacy Ippolito

Social Justice, Pedagogy And Multiliteracies: Developing Communities Of Practice For Teacher Education, Wendy Cumming-Potvin

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Celebrating and responding equitably to diversity have become increasingly essential for teachers’ work in the new millennium, which is characterized by shifting local and global communities. Aiming to broaden conceptions of teacher education within a predominantly ‘back to basics’ literacy environment, this article draws on selected results from a qualitative study underpinned by the metaphor of communities of practice (Wenger, 1998; Wenger et al., 2002). Conducted in Western Australia, the project involved a small group of pre-service teachers using a pedagogy of ‘Multiliteracies’ (The New London Group, 2000) in face-to-face and on-line settings to construct understandings about literacy learning and …

The Enactment Of Hegemony Through Identity Construction: Insights From Thepresentation Of Self In Everyday Life, Brendaly Drayton, Esther Prins

Adult Education Research Conference

This paper uses Goffman’s dramaturgical analysis to examine how hegemony maintains its power and influence in the life of the individual. The analysis reveals that the power of hegemony lies in the construction of particular identities that shape our interactions and limit our imagined futures.

Writer’S Workshop: Promoting Peer Relationships On Early Literacy, Jim Labrie

All Graduate Projects

Writer's Workshop and the influence of peer relationships and art on young children's literacy development were explored. There was found to be a direct correlation between children's art/drawings on their literacy development. Peer interactions during writing were also found to positively impact young writers. Peers and art do impact early literacy and have influences on Writer's Workshop and children's attitudes toward writing. Based on this research a handbook was developed to aid educators in planning a Writer's Workshop model, developing peer relationships during writing, and assessing student writing.

A Family Strengths Approach To Early Language And Literacy Development, Deborah Carter, David J. Chard, Juli Pool

Early and Special Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Language and literacy skills are an essential element of young children’s development and allow them to interact meaningfully with other people and to develop knowledge in all subject areas. Despite the importance of language and literacy development, however, more than one third of children in the United States enter school with significant differences in language, early literacy skills, and motivation to learn that place them at considerable risk for developing long-term reading difficulties. The quantity and quality of language interactions children have with their parents and exposure to print in their home environment prior to entering school have an important …

Gsu's Long Named "2009 Mover & Shaker" By Library Journal

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article reports on the inclusion of Georgia State University librarian Casey Long to the list of "Movers & Shakers" for 2009 in the March issue of "Library Journal." The lbrarian was chosen by the journal because of her determination to improve student information literacy. Information in given on her role and functions as a business liaison librarian for the Georgia State University Library. It also explores the awards and recognition given to the librarian. The librarian expects to ensure all undergraduate business students are prepared with the information-seeking skills necessary for success in their careers.

Reading In The Hyperconnected Information Era: Lessons From The Beijing Ticket Scam, Alison Ruth

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

In this paper I argue that the kinds of literacy needed for making sense of information on websites is more nuanced and embedded in our everyday context that we are currently providing for learners. The kinds of analysis of websites which allow the processing of information in context are presented. This is demonstrated by an analysis of a scam site, which sold non-existent tickets to the Beijing Olympics and a description of a phishing attempt at Twitter. The skills required to understand information presented on the web have evolved far quicker than the parallel shifts in road safety skills, and …

In Defense Of Playfulness, Peter J. Nelsen

Occasional Paper Series

Nelsen argues that the loss of play has unwittingly provoked a loss of critical thinking and civic engagement.

Parts Of The Whole: Is Everything Equally Important?, Dorothy Wallace

Numeracy

Two strategies are proposed for sorting out priorities and goals in education. At the college level the column argues that goals, and therefore requirements, should be set based on the desired knowledge base of the entire population rather than the individual. At the scale of a single K-12 classroom the column argues that priority be given to content requiring most instructor intervention, describing how the structure of class time and school activities would change as a result. Implementation of these strategies would lead to more efficient use of teacher’s time and effort, better allocation of systemic resources, and clarity of …

Becoming Literate Through Art: Benefits Of A Literacy Infused Art Curriculum, Amy Wagner

Theses and Graduate Projects

The decline of literacy skills continues to be a crisis and a concern. It is important to emphasize that being literate goes beyond reading and writing. The definition of literacy can and should also include the ability to listen and speak. With this inclusion literacy becomes well defined as a form of communication. While art and writing are both forms of expression and thereby a means of communication, it is only natural that, because the two share the same goal, they should be studied jointly. The study and practice of art can enhance student's fine motor skills, cognitive learning development …

El Hogar Como Un Contexto Sociocultural De Prácticas De Lectoescritura De Inmigrantes Mexicanos En Canadá., Maria Eugenia De Luna Villalón

Maria Eugenia De Luna Villalón

El propósito de este estudio es investigar, describir y explicar cuáles son las prácticas de lectoescritura en el hogar de cuatro familias mexicanas inmigrantes en Canadá; conocer la interrelación de las prácticas de lectoescritura en el hogar y las prácticas de lectoescritura escolar; el papel que juega la familia como mediadora en el ejercicio de las prácticas de lectoescritura y finalmente las diferencias y semejanzas que encuentran los participantes entre las prácticas de lectoescritura en el hogar en México y en Canadá. Canadá es una nación de inmigrantes que basa su política migratoria en la política multicultural que reconoce, promueve …

Strategy Instruction And Lessons Learned In Teaching Higher Level Thinking Skills In An Urban Middle School Classroom, Karen C. Waters

Education Faculty Publications

Through a compilation of standards-based lesson plans for small- and whole-group instruction, this chapter offers a humorous and heartbreaking perspective of the author's experiences during a yearlong university partnership “Book Bistro” in a 7th grade classroom with urban adolescent struggling readers. Using a combination of leveled, fictional, nonfictional, and culturally relevant text, the chapter is written as a personal narrative to address higher level thinking through systematic instruction in comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and structural analysis. A step-by-step implementation procedure for each of the research-based strategies is presented, including concept of definition, discussion web, probable passage, pointed reading, semantic feature analysis, …

Literacy Initiatives In The Urban Setting That Promote Higher Level Thinking, Karen C. Waters

Education Faculty Publications

How does an urban district become a twice-nominated candidate by the Broad Foundation? In a district in which 72 languages are spoken, 38% of the students live in homes in which English is not the dominant language, and 91% of the population is minority (African American, Asian, and Hispanic), this largest school district in Connecticut not only made student learning a priority, but focused on higher level thinking as part of the process. This chapter provides insight to grassroots implementation of district and department initiatives over the course of five years that emphasized cognitive and metacognitive strategies in advancing the …

School, Home, And Community: A Symbiosis For A Literacy Partnership, Karen C. Waters

Education Faculty Publications

With the belief that fertile ground for a literate environment is created through lots of oral language, ancestral anecdotes, and reading a variety of genre in fiction and nonfiction, it is possible to link home and school literacy communities. This chapter describes the connection between district literacy events and functional home activities as the basis for a partnership in developing higher level thinking that transcends the classroom. At monthly get-togethers, families were encouraged to participate in the very activities that were used in the classroom as part of the district's literacy block. In helping families acquire a few basic strategies …

The Learning Of Numeracy And Literacy In South Australian Primary Schools: An Investigation Into The Performance Of Students And Schools In Numeracy And Literacy In Rural And Regional South Australia., Carol Aldous

Shannon Research Press

Success in science and mathematics is predicted on successful literacy and numeracy learning. Yet schools and communities across the country struggle to negotiate factors that both impede and facilitate such learning - particularly factors over which they have no control. Working with data more comprehensive than that used previously and applying statistical methods only recently developed, researchers from the South Australian hub of the National Centre for Science, Information and Communication Technology and Mathematics Education for Rural and Regional Australia (SiMERR-SA) seek answers to three basic questions. What factors influence performance in literacy and numeracy? Does living in a rural …

"Authentic" Learning Experiences: What Does This Mean And Where Is The Literacy Learning?, Jessica Mantei, Lisa K. Kervin

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

Teachers are challenged to adopt practices that facilitate the development of “necessary” skills and strategies for learners. For many, however, what is required in policy and curricula is increasingly obscured and even confusing as teachers are bombarded with jargon prescribing seemingly similar (yet apparently different) approaches such as “rich tasks”, “big questions” and “fertile questions” that are to be “relevant”, “authentic” and “engaging” for the learner. Barton and Hamilton (2000) argue that literacy learning should take the learner beyond the transmission of technical skills in the classroom to an understanding of its role within a community’s cultural practices. These literacy …

One Teacher's Response To Literacy Learning And Teaching Using Technology, Lisa K. Kervin, Pauline T. Jones

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

The federal government’s pledge for increased access to computers for students has been held up as “groundbreaking reform” as “digital schools” become a reality for more students. However, access to technology remains uneven across schools, student competency levels differ and teacher expertise varies considerably. Incorporating new technologies such as laptops, wireless connectivity, smartboards and mobile communication devices into interactive practices frequently requires rethinking configurations of curriculum, bodies and space.

Teachers are experts in pedagogy, but not necessarily in technology. It is vital that teachers are acknowledged for the considerable knowledge they have about their profession – what constitutes ‘good’ pedagogy, …

Establishing Design Principles For Online Synchronous Literacy Learning For Indigenous Learners, Michelle J. Eady, Anthony Herrington, Caroline Jones

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

Synchronous learning has the potential to provide literacy and essential skills training to Indigenous learners living in remote and isolated communities. Although there is considerable research completed in the area of internet-based learning technologies in general, there is very little research in the area of online synchronous learning opportunities for remote Indigenous learners. This paper presents the results and theoretical framework of the first and second phases of a four phase design-based research approach that aims to establish design principles to guide the future development of synchronous online literacy services for Indigenous learners living in remote Australian communities.

Political Spaces And Remediated Places: Rearticulating The Role Of Technology In The Writing Center, Russell Carpenter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Writing center directors (WCDs) often situate their programs in physical and virtual spaces without fully studying the pedagogical and political implications of their decisions. Without intense study, writing centers risk building programs within spaces that undermine their missions and philosophies. In The Production of Space, Henri Lefebvre argues that "From the analytic standpoint, the spatial practice of a society is revealed through the deciphering of its space" (38). The study of space also reveals important political and financial priorities within the institution. Furthermore, the positioning of buildings and the spatial layout of a campus display the institution's priorities and attitudes …

Increasing The Literacy Of Unmotivated Young Adolescent African American Males, Ashley Chestnut

The Corinthian

In response to the question “How can I increase the literacy of the unmotivated African American males whom I teach?,” two literature groups were established with eight fifth grade African American male students from a public elementary school in Milledgeville, Georgia. In order to investigate the influence of mentors on the literacy, behavior, motivation, and social development of these students, an African American male college sophomore led one group, and I, a Caucasian female student teacher, led the other literature group. Data was obtained via observations of the participants in these two groups. Throughout this study, changes in the academic …

A New Generation Of Goals For Technology Education, John M. Ritz

STEMPS Faculty Publications

[Introduction, First paragraph]

To develop meaningful instructional programs for technology education, goals need to be in place to direct the outcomes of curriculum development and teaching. Goals are program terminal outcomes that focus curriculum writers or teachers who structure content for learners. Goals provide direction so content can be delivered for long-term impact to students who study the subject. They go beyond everyday teaching objectives; they are directed at long-term learning and programmatic outcomes.

Rethinking Critical Literacy In The New Information Age, Panayota Gounari

Panayota Gounari

This article looks at new information and communication technologies (ICTs) as sites of public pedagogy in that they produce particular forms of knowledge and literacies and reproduce representations that are always mediated through specific social relations. Public pedagogy as a process that constitutes a broader category beyond classroom practices, official curricula, and educational canons, extends to all sectors of human life, including virtual spaces. No longer restricted to traditional sites of learning such as educational or religious sites, public pedagogy produces new forms of knowledge and apprenticeship and new narratives for agency and for naming the world. Virtual spaces as …