The latest research related to writing instruction is the focus of the Wisconsin Literacy Research Symposium June 21-22 at the Red Lion Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton.
At the event, sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, teachers will learn how translate the research results into practical practices in classrooms, schools and districts.
Cathy Toll
“The Wisconsin Literacy Research Symposium provides an opportunity for educators throughout Wisconsin to learn from some of the most notable researchers in the field,” said Cathy Toll, chair of the literacy and language department in UWO’s College of Education and Human Services.
The keynote speaker, Deborah Brandt, emeritus professor at UW-Madison, will discuss her research on the “real world” writing done by students outside of school and by adults in college and the workplace. She will help educators consider approaches to writing instruction that prepare students for real-world writing.
Other topics at the symposium include helping students write using digital tools (Troy Hicks, Central Michigan University), supporting the writing development of primary grade children (Anne Haas Dyson, University of Illinois), and strengthening the writing success of students who are English learners (Maria Paula Ghiso, Columbia University). Another speaker will address how certain writing programs have helped adolescents to develop their sense of identity through writing (Marcelle Haddix, Syracuse University).
The final speaker, Shawna Coppola, is an author for Stenhouse Publishers, a leading publisher of materials for literacy educators. She will engage the audience in revising their current practices to be consistent with the best research and to produce the strongest result for PK-12 students.
The symposium annually brings PK-12 educators into contact with scholars who can help them to improve their practice by applying the best evidence from literacy research.
Several universities offer graduate credit for participation in the symposium. UW Oshkosh will have 30 students from its master’s literacy program participating, along with eight faculty/staff members. The incoming College of Education and Human Services Dean Linda Haling will provide a welcome on Thursday morning.
Learn more: