Foremost Names in Literacy Come Together to Respond to Critical Literacy Issues, Shape Literacy Policy and Help Improve Reading Instruction in Classrooms Across the Country
University of California's P. David Pearson, Ph.D. Appointed Panel Chairman
NEWARK, Del., Feb. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To advance the quality of literacy instruction in the United States, the International Reading Association ― the world's foremost expert on literacy ― today announced the formation of an expert research panel that will provide leadership regarding some of the biggest issues in the field. The Literacy Research Panel, which is chaired by the preeminent literacy researcher and author P. David Pearson, Ph.D., of the University of California at Berkeley, will respond to critical literacy issues facing policymakers, school administrators, teacher educators, classroom teachers, parents and the general public.
The panel has identified four critical issues in literacy that will serve as its opening focus:
"I'm thrilled that the International Reading Association has taken this bold step to reassert IRA's role in informing policy and practice at all levels — international, national, state and local," said Dr. Pearson, chair of the IRA Literacy Research Panel and professor of Language and Literacy, Society and Culture at Berkeley's Graduate School of Education. "We need to make sure that our most trusted research is used to improve professional development and classroom practice on the way to more equitable achievement for every group of students — anywhere and everywhere."
The panel intends to engage with policy circles at the national and state level. However, the panel aims to do more than affect policy change; it aims to enhance effective literacy instruction across the country by introducing constructive initiatives to change policy and practices where it matters — in districts and schools.
Members of the Literacy Research Panel include:
"Each year, students struggle to excel because they lack the necessary literacy skills," said International Reading Association President and ex officio Literacy Research Panel Member Victoria Risko. "In the United States, an estimated 32 million adults are unable to read, and about 40 percent of high school graduates lack the literacy skills sought by employers. We're proud to call attention to this issue and work with teachers to improve the quality of literacy instruction across the globe."
The Panel's specific action steps in addressing its four priorities will be determined in the coming months. The Panel will participate in several activities at the International Reading Association's 2012 Convention to be held in Chicago from April 29 to May 2.
Members of the Panel will also serve as a resource for the editors of Reading Research Quarterly as well as for IRA's director of research. They will also support the Association's advocacy mission.
About the International Reading Association
The International Reading Association is the world's foremost expert on literacy. A non-profit global network dedicated to advancing the quality of literacy instruction and research worldwide, the International Reading Association supports reading teachers and other literacy professionals by providing professional development resources, advocating for policy and practices that benefit all teachers and students, and conducting research that promotes informed decision-making about literacy practice in the classroom. With more than 65,000 members worldwide, the Association is one of the world's largest educational membership organizations. The International Reading Association's many publications and peer-reviewed journals, including Reading Research Quarterly, provide coverage of research-based practices for the classroom and ideas and reflections on literacy from around the world. Additional information is available at www.reading.org.