Infusing Technology into the Balanced Literacy Classroom

This article focuses attention on how technology is being utilized in classrooms, with an emphasis on literacy learning. The authors explore the integration of technology within a balanced literacy classroom and identify three levels of technology integration commonly found within a typical K-12 classroom. Specific examples are provided for each level and classroom vignettes from the second author’s classroom are utilized. In addition, the authors provide suggested resources throughout the article for further exploration

Specialized Literacy Professionals as Literacy Leaders: Results of a National Survey

This large-scale national survey of specialized literacy professionals was designed to answer questions about responsibilities, including leadership, and preparation for these roles. Questionnaires, completed by over 2,500 respondents, indicated that respondents had multiple responsibilities that included both instruction of struggling readers and support for teachers. Four distinct role-groups were identified: instructional/literacy coaches, reading/literacy specialists, reading teachers/interventionists, and supervisors. The findings indicated a need for more precise definitions of the roles of these professionals and for preparation programs to include experiences that address the tasks required. Themes discussed included: roles have changed and require more focus on leadership, specialists must be nimble, and they require more in-depth preparation to handle the leadership demands of their positions