Building Consensus

Working with a literacy consultant, NECC has invited literacy educators throughout New England to participate in Building Consensus on the Knowledge Base for Teaching Literacy.  

State Policy

We are working with state education leaders to examine policy changes that could strengthen teacher preparation for literacy and ongoing professional development in literacy, so that state authority for program approval and licensure is used to strengthen teacher literacy education and ongoing teacher development. To this end we are:

• Examining policies and practices from other states that have used or are beginning to use state policy on behalf of ongoing teacher literacy education throughout teachers' careers, or work states are currently undertaking
• Identifying possible state policy changes in teacher preparation approval, teaching certification/ licensure, and re-certification
• Promoting awareness and gathering support from state and regional leaders for changes in policy that would strengthen teachers' knowledge of and ability literacy no matter what content area

We are beginning this Spring by holding Webinars with state agency leaders from Colorado and Maryland, where recent policy changes aim at strengthening teaching literacy. Participants at the Symposium this June 11-12, in Saratoga Springs, New York, will have an opportunity to learn more about this work.

Pre-Service Education

In collaboration with the New York Comprehensive Center, we are piloting an Online Forum for Pre-service Educators, where educators can post, examine, and enhance pre-service literacy education course syllabi used in pre-service literacy education courses using evidence-based research. A pilot with faculty from New England and New York begins this Winter. Watch for announcements of the launch of this interactive opportunity.

Regional Convenings

On June 11 and 12, 2007, NEEC will hold our second regional Symposium on Literacy and Teaching. Nell Duke of Michigan State University and other prominent researchers will present and discuss their research with participants. Co-hosting the 2007 Symposium with the New York Comprehensive Center in Saratoga Springs, New York, we will focus on Comprehension, specifically on What teachers need to know to support student comprehension in pre-K to grade 12 education. Watch for more details and registration forms for the Symposium.