Syracuse University School of Education offers second annual Literacy Institute

Syracuse University School of Education offers second annual Literacy InstituteAugust 04, 2003Cynthia J. Moritzcjmoritz@syr.edu

The Reading and Language Arts Center at Syracuse University’s School of Education is offering its second annual Literacy Institute from August 11-15. Coordinated by Assistant Prof. Kelly Chandler-Olcott, the Literacy Institute is a department-wide initiative involving reading and language arts faculty members, alumni and graduate students.

“The Literacy Institute brings together faculty members, alumni, and students for rich conversations and inquiry,” says Chandler-Olcott. “The compressed nature of the one-week schedule helps to build community quickly among participants and allows them to focus intensely on literacy in general and their own agendas more specifically.”

Participants will select one of four areas of focus for the week: Literacy Across the Curriculum; Word Work: Phonics, Spelling, and Vocabulary; Culturally Responsive Literacy Pedagogy; or No Child Left Behind: Implications for Developing School- and District-Wide Literacy Programs. Keynote speakers include Peter Johnston, noted educator and professor at University at Albany; SU alumna Sharon Kane, professor at State University College at Oswego; SU alumna Rachel Karchmer, assistant professor at the University of Delaware; SU alumnus and SU assistant professor Ted Grace, and Utica College Instructor and SU doctoral student Mary Drucker.

The institute is available for professional development credit for local educators who want to deepen their knowledge bases but are not enrolled in a graduate program. The Institute also provides a mentored college teaching experience for doctoral students, who serve as study group leaders in their areas of interest. It also provides an opportunity for participants to learn more about action research as a form of professional development.

Those wishing to take the Literacy Institute for graduate credit should contact University College Summer Sessions at (315) 443-4135 for cost and registration information. The fee for professional credit is $395 and registration is through the Office of Professional Development at the School of Education, (315) 443-4696.