A Message From the MRA President Dear MRA Members and Friends, We welcome you to enjoy our 50th Anniversary edition of the MRA Primer. Fifty years is a milestone. It is an occasion to celebrate—a time to look back but also a golden opportunity to chart the path forward. In this journal, Looking Back and Looking Forward, you will find a range of topics related to disciplinary literacy. The articles featured present a reflection on the development of literacy instruction over time and encourage us to push our thinking toward Holly Banusiewicz the future of education. Jeanne Paratore offers insights into best practice in “Looking Back: Lessons Learned About Making Literacy Instruction Matter.” The evolution of literacy coaches and district leaders is discussed in two pieces, “The Role of the Literacy Coach: Where We Were and Where We’re Going” by Adam Ulenski and Jennifer Van Allen and “Specialists, Coaches, Coordinators, Oh My! Looking Back and Looking Forward on the Roles and Responsibilities of Specialized Literacy Professionals” by Jacy Ippolito, Rita M. Bean, Diane Kern, and Allison Swan Dagen. Developing authentic voice in writing is highlighted in “Black Voice: Cultivating Authentic Voice in Black Writers” authored by Daniel B. Summerhill. In addition, you can add to your reading booklist with suggestions in the book review columns authored by Lisa Maucione and Mary E. Shorey. These are just a few of the outstanding pieces you will find in this commemorative journal dedicated to research, practice, and MRA’s mission of “promoting literacy for all learners through professional development, research, publications, and advocacy.” I would like to thank the contributors for sharing their thoughtful insights, captivating research, and inspired suggestions for classroom application. Finally, we are grateful to the team that works diligently to produce this enriching publication. I would like to offer special thanks to Primer Editor Jo Ann Thompson and Publications Chair Nancy Verdolino for their masterful organization of this project. From all of us at MRA, we wish you happy reading! Kind regards,
Holly M. Banusiewicz MRA President 2018–2019
Call for 2019–2020 Committee Members! Do you have a special interest in the area of literacy? Do you long to work with likeminded professionals on special subjects? Are you brimming with ideas and enthusiasm for special projects? If so, consider joining one of the many MRA committees. Log on to www. massreading.org and search for Committees to find choices and information. If you’d like to join as an active participant, or initially as an observer, contact Valerie Harlow Shinas at vshinasmra@gmail.com
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