Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals released, WVU professor is a lead writer

The International Literacy Association has recently released its Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2018) document. The ILA Standards are used nationally to guide the preparation of Reading Specialists, Literacy Coaches, Literacy Coordinators, and Classroom Reading Teachers. The ILA Standards’ content focus areas include foundational knowledge, instruction, assessment, diversity, learners, digital technologies and literacy leadership.

Allison Swan Dagen, Professor, College of Education and Human Services contributed to the efforts of the ILA as a committee member for the multi-year Standards rewrite.  This committee was made up of 28 educators from across the country. In addition to serving on the committee, Swan Dagen was also selected to serve as a lead writer for Standard 5: Learners and the Literate Environment. The focus of Standard 5 is how programs prepare candidates to meet the needs of all 21st-century learners.  Candidates, the Standard asserts, must be provided opportunities to demonstrate competencies in their knowledge of learner development, learning differences, access to print and digital materials, safe and effective use of digital technologies and creating literate environments.

The ILA Standards will be formally presented by the committee at the organization's annual conference to be held July 20-23 in Austin, Texas.