New book by Syracuse University School of Education’s Wilkinson focuses on teaching reading in urban classrooms

Patrick Farrell
(315) 443-5421

A new book by Louise C. Wilkinson, Distinguished Professor of Education, Psychology, and Communication Sciences in Syracuse University’s School of Education, examines how to effectively prepare teachers to teach reading in urban classrooms. The book, “Improving Literacy Achievements in Urban Schools: Critical Elements in Teacher Preparation,” was authored and co-edited by Wilkinson and colleagues at the International Reading Association (IRA), and was published in June by the IRA.

The book focuses on preparing teachers to effectively teach reading in diverse urban populations in ways that students find engaging and relevant, arguing that this approach must be a top priority of teacher education programs. The book addresses the curricular and pedagogical challenges urban educators face while providing practical, positive solutions for improving teacher preparation.

In the first two sections, internationally recognized experts and leaders in the field critically and openly discuss urban literacy education issues. The final section translates theory to practice by presenting sample syllabi for teacher education courses. More information about the book can be found on the IRA website at http:// www.reading.org/publications/bbv/books/bk459.

An internationally recognized leader in education, Wilkinson is best known for her extensive research on children’s language and literacy learning. She has published more that 100 articles, chapters and volumes. Among her recent works is “Language and Literacy Learning in Schools” (Guilford Press, 2004). Wilkinson came to Syracuse from Rutgers University in 2003.