About the Researcher
References and
Related Documents
About the Researcher
Definition of Literacy
Literacy is
"the ability to read, write, listen and speak. In order to have a
complete definition of literacy, thinking and reasoning should be
added" (grade 6 reading teacher Feb. 2007). Literacy begins at birth
when parents and friends interact with the child. Literacy continues as
the child is exposed to people, sights and sounds in his environment. As
the child begins his education, literacy skills develop in the form of
reading and writing. They begin to derive meaning from printed text
which opens a whole new realm of literacy-reading. Literacy skills
continue to grow throughout the childs' life. They continually apply their
reading, writing, listening and speaking skills to think and reason. Nancie Atwell offers insights into the importance of obtaining literacy
skills. To become lifelong learners, to learn new words and meanings, to
discover books, authors and genres we love, to learn from each other
about good books, authors and genres, to have vicarious experiences, to
escape, to learn what good readers do, to become fluent and proficient
readers and writers, to learn to pace our ourselves as readers, to learn
to read deliberately, with better understanding and insight, to store
experiences with texts in our long-term memories, to read often and to
read a lot are just a few insights developed by Atwell with her
students. Developing and increasing literacy skills is a lifelong journey. As
educators, we are instrumental in guiding students to become literate
and productive members of society.
Literacy Professional's Beliefs
As a reading resource specialist in an urban middle school, I work
closely with staff members and families to facilitate and develop student learning. At the middle
school level, we clearly recognize the importance of educating the whole
child. Middle school students are anxious to define themselves with
teachers, peers, community members, and family. By recognizing their
unique qualities and giving them opportunities to learn about themselves
and others in a secure, caring environment, we are equipping our
students with the skills needed to meet with success in school as well
as in the world.
The author has been in the field of education since 1985 and is currently a Reading Resource Specialist in the southeast region of Massachusetts working for an urban school district. She worked as a Title One teacher in grades 3 through 6, a Moderate Special Needs teacher in grades kindergarten through grade 6, a bilingual teacher in kindergarten through grade 3, and as a preschool teacher. She is a graduate of Boston College where she received an undergraduate degree in Human Development and Spanish and a Master’s Degree in Moderate Special Needs. In the fall of 2007, she successfully presented and defended this research and qualified for the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Reading at Bridgewater State College. At the time of publication, in her role as reading resource specialist she mentored new teachers, modeled lessons in reading and writing, provided professional development, and was involved in administrative duties at the middle school level.
Contact me
vandrade@comcast.net