More than 900 Educators Attend Literacy Promise

Adolescent literacy is an area of great concern for educators today. Research shows that many well adjusted students are challenged after the fourth grade when they must comprehend the assigned reading materials in order to learn a subject. Teachers often refer to this phenomenon as reading to learn versus learning to read.

Traditionally, most secondary teachers felt that they were not responsible to teach literacy skills—but research is showing that students continue to learn to read and comprehend throughout high school—requiring that all teachers teach literacy. Recognizing this challenge and the paradigm shift of research, the BYU McKay School of Education Alumni Board, in conjunction with the McKay School Center for the Improvement of Teacher Education and Schooling (CITES), recently sponsored a conference titled The Literacy Promise—Opening Doors for the Adolescent Learner. Over 900 Mountain West educators attended the event, which was held at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

Young adult book authors Chris Crowe and Brandon Mull gave memorable keynote addresses. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized educators and researchers including Brod Bagert, Pat Wolfe, Donna Ogle, and Shane Templeton. These and other presenters will be highlighted on the McKay School news web pages.

18 March 2008