NEW YORK, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Top reading and literature authors from Macmillan/McGraw-Hill and Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, leading publishers of print and digital educational materials, will present a variety of thought-provoking topics at the California Reading Association's (CRA) annual conference October 16-18.
Jana Echevarria, Ph.D.; Douglas Fisher, Ph.D.; Vicki Gibson, Ph.D.; Jan Hasbrouck, Ph.D.; and Tim Shanahan, Ph.D. will present at this year's conference. The distinguished educators, who served as co-authors of McGraw-Hill's new research-based reading and literature programs for the state of California, California Treasures, Glencoe Literature: California Treasures and California Tesoros de lectura, will address many of today's important reading and literacy issues that affect district leaders and educators across the West Coast. Dr. Shanahan, past president of IRA, is the conference's keynote speaker.
The CRA is an independent, self-governing organization dedicated to increasing literacy and instilling a love for reading in children and adults alike, with special attention to California residents. The 2008 conference theme is "Comprehension...a key to many doors."
"McGraw-Hill's programs are written and researched by the country's most prominent and influential educators," said Steve McClung, president of McGraw-Hill School Solutions Group, which includes Macmillan/McGraw-Hill and Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. "The talent behind the California programs is exceptional, and their appeal is proven by these top-notch authors' strong presence at CRA 2008."
Integrated Language Arts Skills and Strategies
Dr. Hasbrouck is a nationally known educational consultant, researcher, and trainer. She also is an author specializing in reading fluency, coaching and consultation, and assessing struggling readers. Her presentation, titled Reading Fluency: Put This Key Skill In Perspective, will address research findings on the role of fluency in reading and how it fits into a comprehensive reading program.
Dr. Fisher, a Grade 9 English teacher and professor of English methods at San Diego State University, will discuss effective vocabulary instruction methods for middle and high school. At the closing of the conference, Dr. Fisher will be inducted into the California Reading Hall of Fame in recognition of his years as an educator, influencer, and true advocate of academic reading instruction.
Hasbrouck and Fisher incorporated their expertise in fluency, vocabulary instruction and assessment into the development of the California Treasures programs for both elementary and secondary students. California Treasures equips elementary students with necessary literacy and language arts skills and strategies, while Glencoe Literature: California Treasures continues to build on the young students' success, as they become accomplished teen and adult readers.
Student Assessment and Differentiated Instruction
Dr. Gibson, a veteran educator, is also a nationally recognized author and speaker on early childhood curriculum design and methodology, as well as classroom management. She will educate conference attendees on the importance of differentiated instruction and how teachers can implement it in the classroom. Throughout her presentation, Dr. Gibson will be referencing her latest book, Differentiated Instruction: Grouping for Success, published by McGraw-Hill Higher Education. This resource helps teachers learn how to effectively manage a classroom while using curriculum to achieve excellence in instruction.
English Language Development Support and Spanish Reading
At CRA 2008, Dr. Echevarria, a professor of education at California State University, Long Beach, will address a session of more than 275 participants on one of California's most current education topic, reaching ELL students. She will discuss the recent findings from the National Literacy Panel Report and present a number of classroom strategies and activities designed to improve the achievement of ELL students.
Dr. Echevarria served on the authorship team of leading Spanish-language and reading experts who developed the California Treasures English Language Development Programs (K-6 and 6-12) and California Tesoros de lectura program. The programs offer direct support for students transitioning into English and parallel English and Spanish instruction for Spanish-speaking students. With this combination of winning programs, all students regardless of language background, will have the opportunity to grow as readers.
About Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Macmillan/McGraw-Hill is part of McGraw-Hill School Solutions Group (MHSSG).
The group combines Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, which focuses on Grades PreK-6, and Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, which serves Grades 6-12. MHSSG is the only major educational publishing business to provide a comprehensive approach to the development of print and digital instructional materials from pre-kindergarten through high school. Additional information is available at http://www.macmillanmh.com/.
About McGraw-Hill Education
McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies , is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com/.
Contacts: Tom Stanton
McGraw-Hill Education
(212) 904-3214
