Author Archives: Anitra Butler
SoMIRAC’s 21st Century Newsletter
The second edition of the 21st Century Literacy Leaders newsletter is now available. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide specialized information to Maryland’s literacy leaders. As our state’s schools build teacher capacity in preparation for the Common Core State … Continue reading
Reflections on Cuba: Functionally Eradicating Illiteracy
Cuba is a fascinating diverse island nation with a complex history and a rich culture. While on the island, I got the opportunity to visit a teacher preparation program within a university, an elementary school, and a school for individuals … Continue reading
SoMIRAC’s 21st Century Literacy Leaders Committee unveils its inaugural newsletter
The State of Maryland International Reading Association Council’s 21st Century Literacy Leaders Committee released its first bi-monthly newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide specialized information to Maryland’s literacy leaders. As our state’s schools build teacher capacity in preparation for the Common Core … Continue reading
Why are educators petrified to assign complex text?
At first, I was afraid, I was petrified Kept thinking, I could never live without you by my side But then I spent so many nights thinking, how you did me wrong And I grew strong and I learned how … Continue reading
Linguistics anyone?
I am currently reading a book entitled, Understanding English Language Variation in U.S. Schools by Drs. Hudley and Mallinson (2011). They submitted that, “all educators need knowledge and tools to understand their students’ language differences and variations, address the language-related … Continue reading
Close Reading: Steep Incline Ahead
Reblogged from sheronbrownphd.com: Close reading will present a serious challenge unless there is a clear plan that considers the implementation process and elements from the psychology of change. This morning I reflected on last week. I recalled a post-coaching meeting … Continue reading
New Information, Old Hat Lessons
I have just finished reading this book, “Getting to the Core of English Language Arts Grades 6-12,” and my assessment of its quality and efficacy is split. To be specific, the chapters that discuss the standards themselves are great, while … Continue reading
Leadership for Literacy
Improve literacy! That seems to be the annual cry, especially in middle and high schools. Intervention programs can work, when used according the publisher’s recommendations. The challenge tends to be that well-intentioned leaders rely on them as a cure-all. The other … Continue reading
Rhetorical Reciprocity with Reading and Writing
Recently I read a paper written by Dr. Roskelly entitled “What Do Students Need to Know about Rhetoric?” In this paper, Roskelly (n.d.) submitted that as high school students become conscience of how rhetoric works, this can transform their reading, … Continue reading
PARCC releases assessment prototypes
Recently, PARCC released the Assessment prototypes for ELA and Mathematics: http://www.parcconline.org/samples/item-task-prototypes . I got an opportunity to examine the prototypes and I wanted to pass the information along. One thing to note is Standard 1 and Standard 10 will always … Continue reading
