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 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

holly BAnusiewicz

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

MRA invites you to submit a conference proposal!

Conference Chair, Lisa Maucione

massreading@comcast.net

51st Annual Conference: Unleash the Power of Literacy!

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, April 1-3, 2020

MRA values what you do and we welcome your involvement! We invite you to submit a proposal for our 51st Annual Conference to be held at the Boston Marriott Quincy in Quincy, MA. Share the work you do and the success you experience with students in schools and in the community.

Who Can Present?

• Teachers (PreK-12) • Consultants • Literacy Specialists/Coaches • Media Specialists • Administrators • Researchers, Academics

As literacy educators we understand the transformative power of literacy. Our students will have the best chance for success as learners and citizens if they acquire proficiency with the various literacy skills necessary for active participation in our society. This year’s conference theme encourages us to reflect on the ways in which we open the doors to literacy for all our learners so we can better their lives and our world. We invite you to share your ideas, experiences, and research related to teaching and learning that engages and empowers learners as they grow in their literacy abilities. Online Proposals will be available after 5/1/19 on our website: www.massreading.org

Opportunities to help with the Primer—We are always looking for volunteers. Would you like to serve on the Primer Editorial Review Board? Are you interested in submitting an article for the next Primer? If you have research, a best practice, or thoughts to share, please review the Manuscript Submission Guidelines, which are found on page 6 and the MRA website: www.massreading.org.