Jack Cassidy

Beyond the Common Core: Examining 20 Years of Literacy Priorities and Their Impact on Struggling Readers.

ABSTRACT Researchers utilized a historical context of the What’s Hot, What’s Not expert surveys over the last 20 years to examine literacy priorities and possible impacts. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were recently recognized as the hottest topic in the field of literacy education. Perhaps one of the unintended consequences of this intense focus is that literacy priorities have shifted away from other important topics, particularly those involving children and youth who may fail to meet these new rigorous standards. Topics such as early intervention; literacy coaches/reading specialists; motivation/engagement; response to intervention/differentiated instruction; and struggling readers have not been as highly rated as in the past, yet perhaps should warrant more attention if all students are expected to be college or career ready. This article takes the stance that rigorous standards alone are not enough. A historical context is provided and discussed regarding how these topics related to less proficient readers gained traction in schools, what contributed to their demise, and how a reexamination of literacy priorities and a revival of these topics might contribute to productive pedagogies and subsequent literacy growth in the era of CCSS.

Specialized Literacy Professionals as Literacy Leaders: Results of a National Survey

This large-scale national survey of specialized literacy professionals was designed to answer questions about responsibilities, including leadership, and preparation for these roles. Questionnaires, completed by over 2,500 respondents, indicated that respondents had multiple responsibilities that included both instruction of struggling readers and support for teachers. Four distinct role-groups were identified: instructional/literacy coaches, reading/literacy specialists, reading teachers/interventionists, and supervisors. The findings indicated a need for more precise definitions of the roles of these professionals and for preparation programs to include experiences that address the tasks required. Themes discussed included: roles have changed and require more focus on leadership, specialists must be nimble, and they require more in-depth preparation to handle the leadership demands of their positions.

Looking at Literacy in the 21st Century

Abstract Literacy instruction has shifted in recent years alongside acts of legislation. Areas of literacy education like adolescent literacy and RTI are now receiving increased attention, whereas phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency receive considerably less attention than 10 years ago. Comparative discussions describe “very hot” and “cold” topics as they relate to philosophy/approach, level, content, materials, and assessment in 2001 versus 2010. Educators can utilize this content information to inform their instruction and direct attention to needed areas within their own schools.