Back from D.C.

Hello everyone,
I just returned from Washington, D.C. where adolescent literacy is a hot topic. I have one concern though, it appears that legislators tend to think of high school when they think of adolescents. I think it is important that we let our legislators know that adolescent literacy begins in middle school where students face challenging or advanced text. It is during the middle school years when students begin to form their identities, and we don't want young adolescents labeling themselves as "nonreaders" at such a young age. Especially when they need to believe that they can read challenging text if they are going to go on to advanced degrees. So, if you have the opportunity to speak to your representative, make sure that he or she is clear that when we talk about adolescent literacy, we are talking about middle and high school.

Welcome to the MRA Adolescent Literacy Blog!

Hello,
My name is Lori DiGisi and I am the Chairperson of the MRA Adhoc Committee on Secondary Literacy. This blog is a place for secondary literacy specialists to share current research, strategies, and issues related to improving adolescent reading. I invite you to comment or share and please attend the Massachusetts Reading Association Conference in Sturbridge on March 23rd and 24th to learn more about our committee and to interact with other secondary literacy specialists!