Lead writers and co-chairs of the International Literacy Association's "Standards 2017" provide a hands on guide to using updated standards for the preparation of reading/literacy specialists. Authors share key changes in content, supporting explanations with updated references, and implications for program faculty, state policymakers,…

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…

Presents results from a survey in the United States that provides some indication of how reading specialists fulfill their roles and how they offer students effective literacy instruction. Notes that the goal was to investigate what reading specialists do so that educators could better understand how they provide services to students and teachers.…

In this study, classroom teachers were found to value the reading specialists' role as resource person more highly than any of their other roles. (MKM)

Notes that reading specialists function as instructors and leaders. Outlines a study on the role of reading specialists in which principals were iven questionnaires and reading specialists were interviewed. Concludes that state certification offices and universities need to focus on leadership skills in the training of reading specialists. (PM)

Determines (1) the nature of clinical experiences for reading specialists provided at various educational institutions; (2) perceptions of graduates regarding the value of their experiences; (3) practices used in their current teaching roles; and (4) the degree of congruence between what they experienced and their current practices. Finds that the…

Address the development of a literature review that summarizes what educators know about the role of the reading specialist and the various roles that reading specialists assume. Examines journals in the field of reading research and instruction, government documents, technical reports, and ERIC documents that related to the role of the reading…

Obtains information about how teachers and reading specialist interns worked together to implement early intervention programs in three different school districts. Describes types of collaboration using observations in the classroom and interviews with interns and teachers. Suggests that the context in the school site, teacher preference, and…

A study obtained information from classroom teachers, principals, and reading specialists about what they believed was important in creating effective Chapter 1 programs. One-day meetings were held in three different parts of Pennsylvania during which each group of educators (who were recommended by an advisory board) were interviewed using focus…

Intended for reading specialists who wish to become expert resource persons, this book provides a number of suggestions on how to bring about change in the attitudes of other educators concerning the place of the reading specialist in regular classroom settings. The nine chapters of the book provide the following information: (1) an overview of…

Finds that the keys to success were communication and collaboration between specialists and teachers. Notes that the participants expressed an awareness of the changing roles of reading specialists. Finds that major strengths were promoting self-esteem, fostering a love of reading, providing specialized instruction, serving as a student advocate,…

Reports on a study that investigated the changes in roles and activities of reading specialists in an in-class program as compared to the pull-out program they had previously run. (FL)