Concurrent Session Presenters

Concurrent Sessions Thursday, March 11, 2009

1:00 PM

Catch the Coaching Wave Suite 2A Presenters: Dr. Nancy Guth, Literacy Supervisor, Stafford County Public Schools Tammy Pratt-Fartro, Professor/ Reading Specialist/ Literacy Coach, Stafford County Public Schools Strand: Enhancing the Quality of Instruction Audience: Secondary, 6-12 Coaches

This session will explore how literacy coaches can plan and facilitate professional development emphasizing the five pillars of adolescent literacy: time, motivation, choice, vocabulary and comprehension strategies. Presenter will share coaching suggestions to support a variety of teachers’ needs.

Integrating Interactive Charts to Engage Young Readers Suite 3B Presenter: Erin Haskins Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Pre-K- 3

Interactive charts allow children to manipulate text they are reading, therefore actively engaging them in their own learning. Through implementation of interactive charts, teachers can motivate their students to read.

Utilizing Technology to Reach Teachers (and Student) Across the Commonwealth Suite 4A Presenter: Dr. Tisha Hayes, Associate Professor, University of Virginia Strand: Enhancing the Quality of Instruction Audience: Primary

This session will detail a current project seeking to utilize online technology to provide : 1) long distance mentoring to primary grade teachers and 2) long distance instruction for their students.

Step into a Good Book Suite 2E Presenter: Mikie Jones, Librarian, Powhatan School Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-3

Go beyond textbooks when covering SOL objectives. In the workshop we will use old favorites, as well as new titles, to enrich your instruction, particularly in science and language arts. Participants will find new ways to enrich classroom lessons using a variety of fiction and nonfiction picture books

Making Connections: Reading, Math, and Working Memory Suite 2 C Presenter: Dr. Connie McDonald, Program Specialist Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Liberty University, Lynchburg Steven Mc Donald, Assessment Coordinator for Liberty University Online, Lynchburg Strand: Planning, Assessment, and Accountability Audience: K-6

This workshop develops the ability of practitioners and preservice teachers to catch the wave of identifying students who are facing combined challenges in reading and math and providing effective interventions.

One Great Question Leads to Another Suite 3D Presenter: Kriko Michaels Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: All

Engage all student in higher-level reading, thinking and discussion through proven questioning strategies. Participate in Shared Inquiry TM; witness how this research based approach improves reading, critical thinking and argumentation.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Kim Norman A Little on the Side: Squeezing creativity—even authorship—into an overbooked life Suite 3 A Kim Norman was a working mom, (12 years at the Smithfield Times newspaper) when she sold her first children’s book to a major publisher, (Penguin). Members of her critique group, (three of whom are teachers), also sold books while working other jobs. Kim shares the secrets of how they kept their creativity flowing while writing “on the side”. Her group, with over a dozen titles to its credit now, is proof that creativity is like Jello. There’s always room!

Technology and Reading Special Interest Group Suite 4C Presenters: Dr. Ruth Okoye, Technology Resource Teacher, Portsmouth Public Schools Melissa Warren, Instructional Resource Teacher, Bristol Public Schools Strand: Developing Instructional Leadership Audience; All

Won’t be able to attend that conference? Want to find others who have expertise you need? Web 2.0 can help. Create your own Professional Learning Network and draw on the expertise of colleagues around the globe and get information from those conferences that you missed.

Helping Students Retain Information in Digital Text Environments Suite 2 B Presenters: Dr. Joan A. Rhodes, VCU Dr. Valerie Robnolt, VCU

Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Upper Elementary, Middle School

Students read digital text daily. Learn computer-based strategies to support retaining information in digital environments including the use of track changes, highlighting, underlining, graphic organizers, note-taking and written summaries.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Mary Ellen Vogt Academic Vocabulary: A Key to Effective Comprehension Suite 4 B In this session, we will define academic language and focus on one element, academic vocabulary. A variety of effective, use-tomorrow activities for developing English learners' (and others') academic vocabulary will be shared and modeled. A comprehensive handout will be provided. Thanks to Houghton Mifflin/Harcourt for sponsoring Dr. Vogt.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Kathleen Yancey Creating and Exploring New Worlds: Web 2.0, Information Literacy, and the Ways We Know Suite 3 C Establishing credibility just ain’t as easy as it used to be. Or: in a very short period of time, it seems, we have gone from a formalized and secure information literacy system to an ecology of facts, data, personal narrative, rumors, information, and misinformation, all inhabiting the same sphere, each info bit circulating as though it carried the same value as all the others. What’s a teacher, a student--and even a citizen just trying to be informed-- to do?

This presentation sets a context by outlining three “periods” in the recent history of information literacy: (1) the period of all-vetting-all-the-time; (2) the period of online access of information, information still vetted but often including raw data; and (3) the current period located in an ecology of interacting sources—academic; mainstream; and “alternative.” Given this context and the current moment, what are tasks we might set for students so that they can determine what’s credible and what’s not? As important, if in the future students are not only knowledge-consumers but also knowledge-makers, what tasks can we set that will foster this development?

Thursday 2:15 PM

FEATURED AUTHOR: Cris Arbo Illustrating In The Trees, Honeybees and other picture books Suite 3 B Find out how picture books are made! Cris will use models, sketches, drawings, and original paintings to make the process come alive.

“Get Into Their Heads” Using sticky note responses to differentiate and drive strategy instruction in Read Aloud, Guided Reading, Independent Reading and Literature Circles with Fiction and Non Fiction. Presenter: Terry Bouchard, Teacher’s Toolkits, LLC Strand: Audience: All Levels

Students are using sticky notes….now what? Best practices encourage 100% student engagement in strategy instruction. Sticky notes provide all students the opportunity to respond. Do teachers take the time to “read” student responses? What do their responses mean? Do they comprehend? Participants will see examples of lessons, anchor charts, learn how to use a Reader Response Rubric to score student responses, collect data to differentiate strategy lessons, and most important “Get Into Their Heads” to understand their thinking. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve deeper into reading comprehension. Drawing for free “Reader’s Toolkits”.

PGSS: A comprehension and Test Taking System for Reading Success Suite 4A Presenters: Karen Dragon, Title I Resource Reading Teachers, Virginia Beach Public Schools Anne Schaech, Third Grade Teacher, Virginia Beach Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading (Comprehension) Audience: 4-6 Classroom teachers, Title I, Reading Specialists

PGSS is a creative, strategic system that will promote differentiating instruction while teaching students an easy to remember, precise, concrete formula to help them navigate and comprehend any reading material or reading test passage.

International Projects Suite 2 C Facilitator: Sharon Eshler Strand: Creating Envionments for Literacy Audience: All

Come learn about the involvement of VSRA in literacy development in Ghana. You may even want to join the group returning this year to help.

Technology Integration Made Easy Using MS Word Suite 4C Presenters: Deloris Eure-Nutt, Technology Resource Teacher for Elementary and Special Education, Portsmouth Public Schools Dr. Ruth Okoye, Technology Resource Teacher, Portsmouth Public Schools Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: All Learn an easy first step into technology integration using Microsoft Word features for peer editing. This hands-on session will show you how to use Microsoft Word Track Changes and commenting features for easy to read editing.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Gay Ivey Literacy and Learning Across and Beyond the Curriculum Suite 3 A What we ask students to read and write and what we expect them to do with that information helps to shape them as readers, writers, and thinkers. This session will focus on how the texts we choose and the experiences we arrange for students around those texts might influence the degree to which students learn to live well, think better, and participate more fully and productively in society. The emphasis of this session will be a call for a substantial shift in content area literacy.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Martha Larkin Lessons From People With Learning Disabilities In Reading Suite 2 A This session will focus on understanding the abilities and disabilities of students with learning difficulties in reading and the challenges they face when learning to read. Insights and stories from successful adults with learning disabilities in reading will be shared in order for educators to become aware of their reading struggles and possible interventions that may assist these students. Implications for teaching students with learning disabilities to read will be highlighted.

Thanks to Corwin Press for their assistance in securing Ms. Larkin.

Read All About It: Improving Instruction and Literacy Through Teacher Book Groups Suite 3E Presenters: Rob Murphy, Literacy Coach, Alexandria City Public Schools Jodie Peters, Literacy Coach, Alexandria City Public Schools Strand: Developing Instructional Leadership Audience: All

This session will highlight how teacher book groups can be used to impact instruction and learning. It will demonstrate how school culture, teacher’s attitudes, and practices can be impacted by reading both professional literature and young adult literature. Balanced Literacy: One District’s 6-12 Approach Suite 3D Presenters: Randi Smith, Secondary English/Language Arts Instructional Specialist, Chesterfield County Public Schools Karen Newcomb, Secondary English/Language Arts Teacher Consultant, Chesterfield County Public Schools Wayne Motley, Secondary English Literacy Coach, Chesterfield County Public Schools Strand: Planning, Assessment and Accountability Audience: Middle/High School

By incorporating the Standard of Learning, the national Reading Panel’s five key areas of reading, and current research, the Balanced Literacy framework guides and extends literacy learning. Building on these best literacy practices, the school division has embraced a comprehensive Balanced Literacy Model wherein all aspects of literacy are taught through its deliberate implementation, ensure a solid foundation for reading and writing and academic excellence for each student.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Randy Testa, Walden Media Sailing Into Literacy with Ramona Quimby and Voyage of the Dawn Treader Suite 2 B In this session, we’ll discuss the use of print media (novels) with non-print electronic media (films, the Internet) to enhance a comprehensive school wide literacy program. As two illustrative cases in point, we will discuss the forthcoming films “Beezus and Ramona” (August 2010) and “The Chronicles of Narnia: the Voyage of the Dawn Treader”. Movie clips will be shown and free educators materials will be handed out. Thanks to Walden Media for sponsoring Dr. Testa.

VSRA Past Presidents Meeting Suite 2 E Presider: Victoria Oakley, Immediate Past President

FEATURED SPEAKER: Kathleen Yancey Creating and Exploring New Worlds: Web 2.0, Information Literacy, and the Ways We Know Suite 3 C Establishing credibility just ain’t as easy as it used to be. Or: in a very short period of time, it seems, we have gone from a formalized and secure information literacy system to an ecology of facts, data, personal narrative, rumors, information, and misinformation, all inhabiting the same sphere, each info bit circulating as though it carried the same value as all the others. What’s a teacher, a student--and even a citizen just trying to be informed-- to do?

This presentation sets a context by outlining three “periods” in the recent history of information literacy: (1) the period of all-vetting-all-the-time; (2) the period of online access of information, information still vetted but often including raw data; and (3) the current period located in an ecology of interacting sources—academic; mainstream; and “alternative.” Given this context and the current moment, what are tasks we might set for students so that they can determine what’s credible and what’s not? As important, if in the future students are not only knowledge-consumers but also knowledge-makers, what tasks can we set that will foster this development?

Friday, March 12, 2010

Using Wikis, Photo Stories, and Blabbers to Engage Reluctant Readers Suite 4 E Presenter: Dr. Laurie Andes Strand: Closing the Achievement Gap Audience: Classroom Teachers

Participants will learn how to access free web applications, how to use a wiki, photo stories and avatars to promote student writing and create an online community with parents. Examples of student writing will be shared.

Words and Pictures: Teaching Narrative Writing Through the Picture Book Suite 4 B Presenter: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, author Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Pre-K-6 Though it appears short and simple, the picture book is an ideal form to perfect the craft of narrative writing. A picture book project can unlock your students’ creativity while teaching the fundamentals of good writing that can be applied in other areas of life.

It’s All About Nonfiction! Integrating Effective Reading and Assessment Strategies Suite 3 B Presenters: Satonya Dews, ESOL Assessment Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools Kanchana Iyer, ESOL Assessment Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-6

Are you looking for ways to help your English Language Learners build their academic vocabulary and improve their understanding of informational text? This session will provide teachers with a variety of techniques for incorporating vocabulary development, teaching important text features and assessing students’ comprehension of nonfiction text.

Using PALS- PreK Scores to Drive Curriculum Suite 3 D Presenter: Sara Dickey, PALS PreK Coordinator Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: PreK Teachers

PALS-PreK provides a straightforward means of evaluation a child’s emerging skills in important early literacy fundamentals. Because the assessment is transparent, scores suggest developmentally appropriate instructional strategies to use with preschoolers who display varying levels of competency. Activities will be presented that teachers might use throughout the preschool environment and curriculum to increase later literacy success.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Alice Fay Duncan You Can Write a Book (YES YOU CAN!) Suite 1 B Alice Faye Duncan is an accomplished author (Honey Baby Sugar Child) and school librarian who will show educators how they too can earn income by writing books, magazine articles, and poetry. Duncan will provide participants with a picture book template, a list of publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts, and a list of reputable literary agents seeking new clients. During her workshop she will also discuss trends in children’s publishing and provide educators with a list of websites and blogs that will help hone their writing craft. Her website it www.alicefayeduncan.com

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Patricia Edwards Beyond the Basic Needs: From Food, Clothing Shelter to Home Literacy Practices Suite 4 C In the first part of this presentation, Edwards discusses the necessity to preparing culturally relevant teachers. In the second part of the presentation, Edwards discusses the terms "mainstream literacy," "schooled literacy," and "official literacy," and explore an approach to learning about the cultural contexts of students' home literacy practices. Thanks to the International Reading Association for sponsoring Dr. Edwards.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Charles Ghigna (Father Goose) Father Goose Tales: The Stories Behind the Poems Suite 3 C Presenting brief back stories to poems for children helps bring the poem and the poet to life! An inspiring presentation of readings, recitations and commentaries Filled with tips to help lead kids along the path to a lifelong love of poetry.

P-R-I-M-E Time Instruction Suite 3 E

Presenter: Nyah Hamlett, Title I Reading Specialist Strand: Planning, Assessment, and Accountability Audience: Upper Elementary, Middle School

Participants will interact and learn how to create cross-curricular literacy environments. Through responsive teaching strategies and collaborative instructional teams all students can experience literacy growth.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Sonja Hayes Helping America’s Youth through Literacy Suite 2 B Presented in a workshop-style format, this session will offer workshop participants tips to encourage America’s youth to read. FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Peggy Hickman Read-Aloud for English Learners Suite 4 A In this presentation attendees will learn about a successful, research-based strategy that addresses the oral language and comprehension needs of English-language learners (ELLs). This strategy focuses on vocabulary and comprehension development, in particular, and can be adapted for use in daily storybook reading with all learners. Also provided will be 1) a brief overview of the empirical data supporting these strategies and their use with primary-grade second language learners, and 2) an overview of second language acquisition principles and the use of read-aloud as an approach to developing vocabulary and comprehension with ELLs at varied levels of language proficiency. A primary focus of this presentation will considerations relative to scaffolding for student language proficiency, grouping, text selection, vocabulary selection, comprehension development, and oral language development. Also included will be discussions of practical extensions of the story retell process as applicable across grade levels, content areas, and within comprehensive, research-based literacy programs to meet the language needs of various types of learners.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Michael Opitz A Smart And Sensible Look at Fluency Suite 1 C This session is designed to take a fresh look at fluency, providing clear steps to help educators explore and better understand the role of fluency supporting students’ reading. Thanks to Heinemann Publishing for their assistance in securing Dr. Opitz.

Wearing Different Hats Suite 2 C Presenter: Patricia Phillips Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: K-6

This presentation will focus on using role taking in writing in the content areas of Science and Social Studies. The focus will be on role taking as a writing to learn strategy, helping students relate more to their writing and providing a more authentic, vivid writing piece displaying content knowledge and character voice.

Beyond the Basics: Keeping Word Study Productive, Purposeful, Fun Suite 3 A Presenters: Dr. Michelle Picard, Supervisor of Early Childhood, Arlington Public Schools Alison Meadows, Literacy Coach, Arlington Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-6

Learn how to expand your word study beyond the basics of daily sorting through fun and effective techniques for teacher-led, independent and homework activities to support word study.

FEATURED SPEAKERS: Dr. Jan Rozzelle Power Tools for Active Engagement Suite 2A What do you do when students can read the words but don't remember what they read? All students must be actively engaged in order to read, learn, and remember. Research shows that students in the middle grades have a particularly high need to be active learners. This session will outline and demonstrate strategies that increase student motivation, engagement and performance in core content instruction. Leave the session with some "I'll try that on Monday" ideas.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Martin Sandler Making History Come Alive Suite 1 D Martin W. Sandler, the author of more than 75 books, explains how he goes about creating nonfiction for young readers that, as Publishers Weekly has stated, "exceed anything that the best of fiction has to offer."

Comprehension Strategies Using Picture Books Suite 4 D Presenters: Janean Trimble Reading Teachers, Chesterfield County Public Schools Rhonda Burch, Reading Specialist, Chesterfield County Public Schools Tami Slater, Reading Specialist, Chesterfield County Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Upper Elementary Have you ever wanted to use picture books in your upper grade classroom? We will show you how to use an advanced picture book to teach reading strategies to your students. All participants will receive lists of books they can use to teach comprehension strategies.

VSRA TEACHER RESEARCH GRANT AWARD WINNER Podcasting As An Authentic Audience for Fluency Instruction Suite 2 D

Presenter: Caroline Gaskins, Reading Specialist, Montgomery County Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-5

This conference session highlights the VSRA Teacher Research Grant Award Winner. The session will address fluency instruction and how one Reading Specialist used poetry and podcasting to address the needs of unmotivated struggling readers in an elementary setting.

FEATURED SPEAKERS: The Two Sisters How to Accelerate Learning: Engage the rest of the class during small group instruction with the Daily 5 Suite 1 A

Join “The Sisters” in this lively and informative session, as they introduce you to the components of “The Daily 5”, an elegantly simple structure designed to develop, support, accelerate, and motivate students to be engaged for long periods of time in the act of reading. Lesson plans will be shared to start your children on the road to independence and high achievement while allowing teaching and assessing to be more focused and productive.

Young Writers: Apple Valley Reading Council's Annual Writing Contest Suite 5 A Presider: Chynita Turner-Pryor, Reading Specialist, York County Schools; VSRA Young Writers' Chair Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: K-12

This session will provide an overview of the Apple Valley Reading Council's Annual Writing Contest. View samples of the writing contest rules, the document for notifying the winners, winner and participant certificates, and programs and invitations from the banquet for honoring the winners. In addition, samples of booklets throughout the years with the published winning entries will be on display. ------

Friday 10:45 AM

FEATURED AUTHOR: Derrick Barnes The making of a Scholastic chapter book series Suite 5 A I'll cover the path I took towards creating Ruby Booker and how we landed the six book deal with the children's lit juggernaut.

Response to Intervention (RtI): Differentiate instruction in TIER I, II, and III. Suite 4C Presenter: Terry Bouchard, Teacher’s Toolkits, LLC Strand: Audience: All levels

Participants will learn how to engage 100% of their students in TIER I whole group during reading strategy instruction in read aloud (listening comprehension, mini lesson and teacher modeling), shared reading (scaffolding) and “literature circles”. Discover how to use a Reader’s Toolkit in a small “intervention” group (TIER II) using sticky note responses to collect data and drive instruction. Learn how to confer with independent readers and individualize instruction for TIER III students with leveled books, Reader’s Toolkit and sticky notes. Session will be geared for grades 2 – 6 and for TIER II and III intervention groups in middle and high school. Examples from TIER I, II, and III levels will be shared. Drawing for free “Reader’s Toolkits”.

How to Create the Essential Toolkit for Literacy Success Suite 4 D Presenters: Dr. Gretchen Braun, Associate Professor, Longwood University Dr. Barbara Williams, Assistant Professor, Longwood University Strand: Planning, Assessment, and Accountability Audience: K-6, University

The literacy toolkit that every teacher can create is designed to assist teachers as they assess individual students and select instructional strategies that will support literacy learning. Reading, Writing, and Thinking for the 21st Century: Are Your Students Ready? Suite 3 D Presenter: Rebecca Danylchak, Reading Specialist/Implementation Manager Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: Middle and High School

How can we develop the literacy skills students will most need in a rapidly changing world? This session will explore essential 21st Century skills and provide strategies for teaching them.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Allan De Fina “So Much Depends Upon…” Poetry in the Classroom Suite 1 D

The presenter, himself a poet, will present many great ideas and some wonderful poems for teaching poetry in the classroom. The workshop will also talk about the importance of this often-overlooked and underused genre for inspiring writing and improving critical thinking and vocabulary in primary-middle grade classrooms.

Fostering Student Learning: Engaging, Reading to Use Vocabulary Strategies and Practices Suite 3 B Presenters: Angela Eutsler, Reading Specialist, Waynesboro City Public Schools Crystal Hanger, Reading Specialist, Waynesboro City Public Schools Jennie Reaves, Instructional Coach, Waynesboro City Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-6

Participants will practice, explore, and depart with a plethora of vocabulary strategies that can be immediately implemented within the school/classroom setting that supports the importance of content/reading vocabulary instruction.

Mission Possible: Reaching All Readers Suite 2 A Presenter Dr. Linda Gambrell, Distinguished Professor of Education, Clemson University Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-12 If struggling readers are to succeed, they need teaching that both accelerates their learning and goes beyond the “basics” of reading instruction. This session will focus on a strategy that is grounded in best practice and promotes children’s engagement and independence in reading texts while also supporting their skill at understanding and creating texts for a variety of purposes.

Using Writing to Encourage Reading Suite 2 C Presenter: Jennifer Garner, Reading Specialist Loudoun County Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: PreK-12 teachers, ESL/Title I

Writing is a great way to entice students to read. Encourage students to “get into” reading by creating books, using journals effectively, and being active learners in the process.

Exploring Inference Comprehension with Adolescent Learners Suite 3 E Presenters: Dr. Jane Haugh, Reading Specialist, Loudoun County Public Schools Samantha Purvis, (9th Grade English Teacher, Loudoun Co. Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Middle and High School teachers and reading specialists

Teacher researchers will share the higher level thinking processes involved when inferring meaning from text and will explain instructional activities designed to develop inference comprehension abilities of 9th grade students.

Teachers of the Year Showcase Suite 4A

Presenters: Connie Herman, VSRA Teacher of the Year Committee Chair Strand: Developing Instructional Leadership Audience: All

This session will highlight the VSRA 2009 Teachers of the Year from each council. The teachers will share lessons that have been successful for them in their classrooms. Participants will go away with a dozen or more new ideas for implementing in their classrooms.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Marcia Invernezzi Response to Intervention: Who is the First Responder? Suite 3 C This session addresses the many contextual factors affecting the quality and appropriateness of instruction that are essential components of a Response to Intervention (RtI)model . Most RtI models include universal screening, differentiated small-group instruction provided by the classroom teacher, additional instruction often provided by supplemental interventionists, and the monitoring of student progress. Few models address the quality of the instruction being offered, the collaboration among school personnel, or student health and engagement. In this session, PALS author and developer presents an alternative ecological view of Response to Intervention (RtI) that addresses contextual issues such as collaboration, instructional quality, and student health and engagement, in addition to student-level achievement data for progress monitoring in essential components of literacy. As an alternative to different "tiers" of intervention, the presenter will suggest a continuum of supplemental instruction that takes into consideration frequency of instruction, session length, number of students in the group, and expertise of the instructor.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Kimberly Johnson Destination Imagination Suite 2 B Children's author and motivational speaker Kimberly P. Johnson has written 12 children's books and has been recognized on many national and international levels, she will conduct an engaging and motivating session. This session will demonstrate strategies on how to encourage children to enhance their reading and writing skills. Also, participants will learn techniques on using ordinary items in the classroom to expand creative and critical thinking skills. Kimberly will discuss how language expression enhances listening skills and comprehension. Participants will learn how to make stories “breathe” by using their senses.

Through the use of poetry and rhythm, children will learn to develop settings and bright language that can be transformed from their imaginations to creative writing pieces. Session will offer lots of hands-on and interactive activities that can be used immediately. If you need a workshop to inspire you to continue teaching and have fun with it, don’t miss this session. Creative expression and language skills will come to life in your classroom setting again. COME LEARN, COME LAUGH!!

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Joan Kindig Best Bets for the Classroom 2009 Suite 1 B Each year thousands of children’s books are published and it is unrealistic to think that teachers have time to identify the best ones for their classroom. Joan Kindig’s annual list comes from her own wide reading as well as a number of highly regarded review sources including Booklist, The Horn Book, and School Library Journal among others. First presented in the early 1990’s at VSRA, this annual offering is an overview of the latest and greatest in children’s books, K-8. While noteworthy books are important and serve children well, Best Bets for the Classroom includes books that may not win awards but children will love. Since getting children to read is our ultimate goal, this list is a pivotal one for teachers. Handouts will be provided.

Motivation Students to Improve Reading Fluency and Comprehension Suite 4 E Presenter: Debby Mossburg, Educational Consultant Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Grades 1-8 and High School Special Education, Title I

In this multi-media interactive presentation, participants will learn and practice a powerful research-proven strategy to accelerate the reading achievement of struggling readers and will receive a placement and procedural packet.

Word Study for Parents: Giving Parents the Tools to Support Their Children at Home Suite 3 A Presenters: Dr. Michelle Picard, Supervisor of Early Childhood, Arlington Public Schools Alison Meadows, Literacy Coach, Arlington Public Schools Strand: Developing Instructional Leadership Audience: K-6

Provide your students’ parents with fun word study activities they can do at home. The session will include activities to teach parents and how to present them effectively.

Interested in Furthering Your Education? Come Find Out About Graduate Programs! Suite 4B Facilitator: Dr. Valerie, Robnolt, Associate Professor, VCU, President of Virginia College Reading Educators Strand: Enhancing the Quality of Instruction Audience: Pre-K – High School Teachers This session is designed for teachers who are interested in pursuing their graduate degrees. A panel of faculty from around Virginia will share information and answer questions.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Randy Testa, Walden Media Sailing Into Literacy with Ramona Quimby and Voyage of the Dawn Treader Suite 2 D In this session, we’ll discuss the use of print media (novels) with non-print electronic media (films, the Internet) to enhance a comprehensive school wide literacy program. As two illustrative cases in point, we will discuss the forthcoming films “Beezus and Ramona” (August 2010) and “The Chronicles of Narnia: the Voyage of the Dawn Treader”. Movie clips will be shown and free educators materials will be handed out. Thanks to Walden Media for sponsoring Dr. Testa.

Designing Targeted Small-Group Reading Instruction Suite 1 A Presenter: Susan Thacker-Gwaltney Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: K-3

Come hear about a series of K-3 small group plans designed for struggling readers. The sample lessons illustrate modifications made to four basal series in order to provide targeted instruction.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Sally Walker History, Mystery, Bones and Gold: Lively Nonfiction Suite 1 C Every child can travel the nonfiction road to success. When beginning a research project for school, children often become easily frustrated and overwhelmed. Come and learn how to turn your students into nonfiction readers, researchers, and writers. Help them discover that nonfiction research is lively and FUN!

Integrating Literacy and the Arts: A team Approach to Authentic Literacy Suite 2 E Presenters: Anne Whipp, Reading Specialist, Fairfax Co. Public Schools Emily Gatesman, Music teacher, Fairfax Co. Public Schools Elayne Gidick, Music teacher (also trained reading specialist), Fairfax Co. Schools Gary Shoop, School Based Technology Specialist, Fairfax Co. Schools Jan Solow, Librarian, Fairfax Co. Public Schools Strand: Enhancing the Quality of Instruction Audience: Grades 4-6

Explore the possibilities for collaborative and engaging literacy within the framework of fine and performance arts instruction, and discover new ways to integrate the arts into classroom literacy instruction.

------Friday 1:15 PM

FEATURED AUTHOR: Cris Arbo Illustrating Champions Of The Ocean Suite 4 C Join Cris as she recounts her journey illustrating the lives of eight of the world's most celebrated ocean explorers.

Literature SHOTS: Stories that Elicit Higher Order Thinking Skills Suite 2 C Presenter: Karen Arnett, Elementary Gifted Education Specialist, Chesapeake Public Schools Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: K-3

All children need opportunities to develop their thinking. Participants will be shown numerous, varied activities to guide children toward developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills through the use of literature.

Using Picture Books to Teach Reading Skills Inductively: Teaching is not Telling Suite 3 B Presenters: Beth Estill, Reading Specialist, VA Beach City Public Schools Adjunct Professor, University of Virginia Andrea Payne, Reading Specialist, VA Beach City Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-6 teachers, administrators, reading specialists

Inductive learning requires students to develop concepts through interactive and engaging methods, rather than just being told by the teacher. Within this session, inductive strategies will be demonstrated using picture books to develop specific language arts skills.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Charles Ghigna (Father Goose) Father Goose Tales: The Stories Behind the Poems Suite 3 C Presenting brief back stories to poems for children helps bring the poem and the poet to life! An inspiring presentation of readings, recitations and commentaries Filled with tips to help lead kids along the path to a lifelong love of poetry.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Sonja Hayes Author Presentation Suite 2 B The author will read selections from her novels and discuss the origins of her books as well as the creative writing process.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Peggy Hickman Strategies for Working with ELLs with Diverse Needs in Inclusive Classrooms Suite 4 A In this session attendees will learn strategies for differentiating instruction for ELLs in mainstream classrooms, based on language proficiency levels and needs, as well as considerations relative to distinguishing language versus learning-based differences among ELLs. Included in this discussion-oriented workshop will be analysis of real cases of ELLs who are not on grade level in their learning and discerning cultural influences, language-based influences, and appropriate levels and types of support , whether in schools with RTI-based tiered models of support, or more traditional student- study/multidisciplinary team models of service structure.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Martha Larkin Selecting Research-Based Instructional Strategies for K-7 Students With Learning Difficulties Suite 3 A This session will examine the mnemonic READING as a tool to explore research-based instructional strategies to use as interventions and curriculum supplements with elementary and middle school struggling readers. Participants will be introduced to a variety of decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies and guided in evaluating them with the READING mnemonic checklist to determine which strategies would be most appropriate for students with learning difficulties.

Thanks to Corwin Press for their assistance in securing Ms. Larkin.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Don Leu My Ten Best Ideas on How to Integrate the New Literacies of Online Reading Comprehension Into Your Classroom Suite 1 B Let's explore together some of the wonderful ways to open the windows of your classroom to the world around us, preparing your students for their literacy future. I will share the best ideas I know to integrate the Internet into your classroom reading program. New resources and new ways to connect with other classrooms around the world will be shared. Thanks to the International Reading Association for sponsoring Dr. Leu.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Michael Opitz Purposeful Oral Reading that Helps Children Comprehend Informational Texts Suite 1 C This session is designed to provide teaching tips to ensure purposeful oral reading that can help children better comprehend informational texts. Specific strategies will be explained and demonstrated. Thanks to Heinemann Publishing for their assistance in securing Dr. Opitz.

Sailing the Seven Seas: he Impact of Study Abroad Experiences on Literacy Education for Diverse Learners Suite 4 B Presenters: Dr. Joan Rhodes, Associate Professor, VCU Dr. Tammy Milby, Reading Faculty, VCU Strand: Enhancing the Quality of Instruction Audience: University, All levels of teachers seeking professional development

Sail the Seven Seas with your presenters as they share study results from their travel abroad programs. Learn how study abroad impacts attitudes, knowledge, and instruction when educating diverse learners.

Engaging Boy Readers in Independent Reading Suite 3 E Presenters: Dr. Lori Riley, Literacy Specialist, Loudoun Co. Public Schools Beth Cipriano, Reading Specialist, Loudoun Co. Public Schools Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: K-5

Attendees will explore independent reading as an essential part of the K-5 Reading Workshop. Information and strategies will be shared on engaging all readers, especially boys, often our reluctant readers.

What’s the ‘Diff’ in Differentiated Instruction? Suite 2 E Presenter: Jennifer Rush, National Consultant Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: Grades 3-8

This interactive workshop will focus on strategies for differentiating instruction, incorporating it into their classroom practices and emphasis will be place on the importance of making learning accessible for all students.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Martin Sandler Picturing the Past Suite 1 D Martin W. Sandler, the author of more than 75 books, describes the sources he uses and how to get to them that have led to the Associated Press labeling him "The most prolific and perhaps most talented of all those writing for young people."

FEATURED SPEAKERS: The Two Sisters Exactly how to have assessments drive instruction for greater student achievement by using The Café’ Menu Suite 1 A Join the sisters as they share their practical approach for analyzing student data, organizing results and managing instructional plans. Their approach allows for focused instruction based on students’ greatest areas of needs through their Café’ Menu, allowing for high academic achievement for all.

Virginia College Reading Educators’ Annual Meeting Suite 3D Dr. Valerie Robnolt, Facilitating

Virginia Readers’ Choice: High School Award Winners Suite 4 E Presenter: Dr. Marianne Baker, Associate Professor, JMU Strand” Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: High School The 2010-2011 list of high school titles selected to appeal to diverse high school readers will be unveiled and shared in this session.

Virginia Readers Choice: Middle School Award Winners Suite 5 A Presenter: Linda Davis, L.F. Addington Middle School, Wise County Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: Middle School

The new titles for 2010-2011 Virginia Readers' Choice will be introduced and reviewed. Come and be one of the first to know the new titles for the next reading cycle of Virginia Readers' Choice. The selection committee has read hundreds of new titles to prepare for the announcement of this new list.

Virginia Readers Choice: Primary/Elementary Award Winners Suite 4 D Presenter: Elizabeth Coates, Library Media Specialist, Hanover County Johnnie Meade, Powell Valley Primary School, Wise County Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: Elementary

Join members of the Virginia Readers' Choice Committee as they announce and review the new titles for 2010-2011. The new primary and elementary titles will be shown and described. You will want to hear all about the new titles and be ready for a new year of great reading choices!

Fostering Children’s Love of Reading Suite 2 D Presenter: Dr. Katherine Wiesendanger, Professor, Longwood University Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: Classroom teachers, reading specialists, K-6

Developing the reading habit should be important goal of any balanced literacy program. In every classroom, children should be encouraged to engage in the reading process. This session focuses on successful recreational reading programs that have been implemented in elementary classrooms. We present the physical, teachers, student and program factors unique to these successful programs which will serve as a framework for teachers. Friday 2:15 PM

Administrators’ Tea Suite 2 A Speaker: Dr. Candy Dawson-Boyd Thanks to Pearson for sponsoring Dr. Dawson-Boyd.

Friday 2:30 PM Concurrent Sessions

FEATURED AUTHOR: Derrick Barnes The making of a Scholastic chapter book series Suite 5 A I'll cover the path I took towards creating Ruby Booker and how we landed the six book deal with the children's lit juggernaut.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Susan Benner Fostering Student Motivation Suite 1 A Teachers can play a key role in supporting students so they maintain or re-establish their own motivation to work even when lessons and assignments are difficult. Teachers responsible for literacy development will find a good match between reading and writing and the development of motivation by guiding students in personal goal setting and fostering intrinsic motivation.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Patricia Edwards Engaging Hard to Reach Parents Suite 2 E Edwards describes a variety of traditional and nontraditional strategies for involving parents who are labeled as "hard to reach" in the literacy development of their children. Thanks to the International Reading Association for sponsoring Dr. Edwards. Using PALS and PALS Espanol to Inform Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners Suite 3 E Presenters: Dr. Karen Ford, Research Scientist, UVA Dr. Marcia Ivernizzi, Professor, UVA Lauren Burrow, Graduate Research Assistant, UVA Strand: Closing the Achievement Gap Audience: Primary K-3

This session aims to demonstrate how teachers can use data from English and Spanish assessments to inform instruction and identify Spanish-speaking children at risk for reading difficulty.

Surfing Through a Differentiated Classroom Suite 3 D Presenters: Tiffany Frierson, Title I Reading Instructional Specialist, Richmond City Public Schools

Strand: Closing the Achievement Gap Audience: K-12

Teachers will have the opportunity to engage in and take-away hands-on reading and writing activities to meet the diverse needs found in many classrooms at all levels of learning.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Gay Ivey Creating Literacy-Rich Middle and High School Classrooms Suite 1 D Setting up the context in which even the least experienced readers will reap the benefits of engaged reading requires much thought and deliberation. In this session, we will consider the texts, classroom talk, and instructional priorities that help to create secondary classrooms and schools characterized by engagement. This session will highlight in particular an 8th grade English program that experienced a phenomenal transformation. Students grew in their ability and desire to read for meaning across texts, to think critically, to grapple with important issues, and to act in more productive ways. Lessons learned are relevant for elementary through secondary grades.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Kimberly Johnson Destination Imagination Suite 2 B Children's author and motivational speaker Kimberly P. Johnson has written 12 children's books and has been recognized on many national and international levels, she will conduct an engaging and motivating session. This session will demonstrate strategies on how to encourage children to enhance their reading and writing skills. Also, participants will learn techniques on using ordinary items in the classroom to expand creative and critical thinking skills. Kimberly will discuss how language expression enhances listening skills and comprehension. Participants will learn how to make stories “breathe” by using their senses.

Through the use of poetry and rhythm, children will learn to develop settings and bright language that can be transformed from their imaginations to creative writing pieces. Session will offer lots of hands-on and interactive activities that can be used immediately. If you need a workshop to inspire you to continue teaching and have fun with it, don’t miss this session. Creative expression and language skills will come to life in your classroom setting again. COME LEARN, COME LAUGH!!

Weaving Literature and Games into Your Math Program Suite 2 C Presenter: Jo Kelchner, First Grade Teacher, Powhatan School Strand: Creating Environments for Literacy Audience: K-3

This session will introduce you to literature selections that will enhance and broaden your math program. You will also learn how to create teacher-made games to accompany the books.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Donna Knoell Selecting and Using Outstanding Nonfiction Science and Social Studies Trade Books to Engage Readers, Develop Background Knowledge, and to meet and fulfill the Virginia Standards of Learning Suite 3 C Presenter will showcase outstanding books and will suggest a variety of ways to organize them for instruction. She will discuss the criteria for selecting trade books for instruction and enjoyment, and will share strategies and ideas for engaging students as readers, as they learn and increase their general knowledge in important subject areas. Handouts will be provided.

5 Keys to Unlocking Reading Engagement Suite 3 B Presenters: Dr. Kavatus Newell, Associate Professor of Education, University of Mary Washington Kelly Andrus, Classroom Teacher, Stafford County Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-6

This session will explore research on critical areas that are needed to address student engagement in order to increase reading comprehension. The presenters will share the results of action research in an elementary classroom using five key principles: motivation, interest, level, collaboration, and thematic unit.

Five Keys to Unlocking the Alphabetic Code: A Multi-Modal Approach to Beginning Reading Suite 4 A Presenter: Connie Stewart, Independent Literacy Coach, Charleston, W. Virginia Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Pre-K- Grade 2

Come explore the evidence–based principles of beginning reading. A language foundation lays the groundwork for reading. Beginning readers need explicit instruction and appropriate application of the alphabetic code. Instruction should provide multi- modal immersion, and integration of language arts. Motivation will establish a culture of joyful reading. These keys will unlock the code and open the door to literacy! If you are looking for a dynamic and interactive session, this is for you.

What’s New at PALS? Suite 4 B Presenters: PALS Staff Strand: Planning, Assessment, and Accountability Audience: Audience: PreK-3

This session will provide participants with the latest PALS updates, including electronic lesson plans, the new online calendar PALS CAL, expansion to the upper grade, PALS Espanol, and instructional resources.

Leadership Practices and the Effect on Student Literacy Suite 4 E Presenter: Jeryl K. Scott, Reading Coach, Hampton City Schools Strand: Developing Instructional Leadership Audience: Upper Elementary and Middle School Through the evaluation of the root causes that effect literacy, the presentation will identify leadership practices, policies, and reform models that contribute to or effect student achievement.

Books to Build Community Partnerships Suite 4 D Presenters: Cornelia Turrittin, Title I Reading Specialist, Hampton City Schools Jasahn “Jay” Holman, Teacher Librarian, Hampton City Schools Strand: Developing Instructional Leadership Audience: K-6

This session is designed to supply books for community groups servicing specific needs. Based on VSRA goal, “Foster Interaction on literacy issues through collaboration, networking and partnerships.”

FEATURED AUTHOR: Sally Walker History, Mystery, Bones and Gold: Lively Nonfiction Suite 1 C Every child can travel the nonfiction road to success. When beginning a research project for school, children often become easily frustrated and overwhelmed. Come and learn how to turn your students into nonfiction readers, researchers, and writers. Help them discover that nonfiction research is lively and FUN!

Factoring Dialect into Reading Assessment and Intervention Suite 1 B Presenter: Dr. Rebecca Wheeler, Professor, CNU Strand: Closing the Achievement Gap Audience: Grades 2-

Typical reading assessments are designed to assure that students are able to decode and comprehend Standard English texts, despite the fact that many of our students come from homes in which Standard English is not spoken. This session will identify the most common dialect influences in the oral language of students who speak African American Vernacular English. Participants will learn about a method called code-switching that helps students who speak a vernacular variety of English become aware of the differences between their home language and school language, in order to actively choose the language to fit the setting. Saturday, March 13, 2010

8:00 AM

FEATURED AUTHOR: Debbie Agate Self publishing—Sandy the Seahorse Saves the Day Suite 3 E

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Susan Benner Using Dialogue and Instructional Conversation Suite 2 B It is students who need experience expressing themselves, offering rational arguments to explain a position, or responding logically to a thoughtful question. It is students who need to engage in dialogue and discussion to develop their own language skills. Through the use of dialogue and instructional conversations, teachers can give students the chance to develop their speaking and thinking skills in a safe setting, in which the teacher demonstrates and coaches on the sidelines while the children take center stage.

Seeds of Science Roots of Reading: An Integrated Approach for Elementary Science and Literacy Instruction Suite 3 A Presenters: Sherrie Roland, Teacher, Stafford County Schools, Seeds of Science Consultant Strand: Teaching the dimensions of Reading Audience: 2-5 Classroom Teachers

Investigate soil and organisms to learn about a variety of earth and life science concepts through Hands-on activities, instructional routines for discourse, content readers and writing exercises presented in the Seeds of Science program. Sample materials provided!

It Makes Sense: Using Literacy and Reference Skills to Develop Vocabulary Suite 2 A Presenters: Dionne Crisco, Literacy Specialist, Norfolk City Schools Kimberly Twine, Library Media Specialist, Manassas Public Schools Strand: Reading Dimensions-Vocabulary Development Audience: 2-5 Classroom Teachers

The presentation will demonstrate how employing literacy and reference skills can develop, expand, and strengthen vocabulary. Examples of differentiated instruction will be modeled and strategies that can be easily implemented will be shared.

Pairing Literature and Puppets to Teach Social Skills Suite 3B Presenter: Michelle Hicks, Special Education and Instructional Leader, Special Education Teacher and Instructional Leader, Hampton City Schools Strand: Closing the Achievement Gap Audience: Pre K-First Classroom Teachers

The use of children’s literature paired with puppets will help teach social skills to children while incorporating the Virginia SOLs and allowing children to become successful in the school setting.

Empowering Primary Writers Through Daily Journal Writing Suite 3 C Presenter: Dr. Jill Jones, Associate Professor/Graduate Education, Liberty University Professor Annyce Maddox, Instructor;/Student Teacher Supervisor, Liberty University Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading K-3 Audience: K-3 Classroom Teachers, Reading Specialists, Parents

All students can write, regardless of their ability to match letters to sounds and form words! This presentation will detail the process of implementing daily writing and the amazing results of a first grade classroom’s quest to make all students successful writers.

Differentiation in Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Suite 2 C Presenter Dr. Leonard W. Parker, Associate Professor of Education, Liberty University Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Classroom Teachers K-12

The “buzz word” that describes the action for which a teacher responds to a student’s reading difficulties is differentiated instruction. Diagnostic and prescription devices for overcoming reading difficulties for maximum reading potential will be demonstrated.

Instruction Leadership That Promotes Literacy Achievement Suite 2D Presenters: Teresa Vedder, Reading First Coach, Isle of Wight Public Schools Strand: Develop Instructional Leadership Audience: Administrators, Reading Specialists, Elementary Primary/Upper

Participants will learn the characteristics of effective literacy leadership based on research and the approach one elementary school implemented. Monitoring the program with the use of data insured growth.

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Saturday 9:15 AM

Ride the Comprehension Wave- Maximize Students’ success on the Oral and Written Retellings Suite 3D Presenters: Paula Assadi, Reading Specialist, Loudoun County Public Schools Linda Kimmel, Reading Specialist, Loudoun County Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Primary and Upper Elementary (K-5)

Presenters will include strategies they have found successful in teaching oral and written retellings, generating questions, inferential thinking, and making connections. Navigating Ocean Waters: Preparing Candidates for the Deep Waters of Literacy Teaching Suite 2D Presenters: Marcia V. Bolton, Ed.D., Director of Teacher Intern Programs, Coordinator of Field Experience, Clinical Assistant Professor, Widener University Cynthia Connor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education, Special Education, Undergraduate Professional Education Programs Virginia State University Strand: Enhancing Quality Instruction Audience: Pre-Service Teachers, Cooperating Teachers for Student Teachers

Ideas and strategies will be shared that are useful in preparing pre-service teachers to be effective literacy professionals in elementary schools and in community based education courses. Effective idea sand tools used to guide teacher candidate feedback will be shared. Ideas and suggestions offered by cooperating or partner teachers will be discussed.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Sue Corbett Writing Books Boys Will Read Suite 2 B Presenter: Sue Corbett, Author, York County Virginia Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-12 Author Sue Corbett, mother of two boys herself, will speak about how the challenges of raising male readers informs the novels she writes -- 12 Again, Free Baseball and The Last Newspaper Boy in America. As a book reviewer, she will also provide lists of new books that have connected with the boy readers in her household and in the book club she runs for elementary school age children.

FEATURED AUTHOR: Laura Elliott Surprise! Boys really DO like history when laced with bugs, battles, and beatable bullies Suite 3B Ms. Elliott will be discussing Under a War-Torn Sky (a Jefferson Cup honor book) and its new sequel, A Troubled Peace.

Extending the Story: Ideas for Fun Hands-on Learning Activities that Teach Reading Fundamentals through Children’s Literature Suite 3 E Presenter: Dr. Sharon Gaston. Assistant Principal, Arlington, former Reading Specialist Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Pre-k to Grade 2

Teachers will be presented with quick, useful and lively activities that teach the fundamental literacy skills (phonemic and phonological awareness, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension) through reading children’s literature.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Marcia Invernezzi Considering Both Oral Reading Levels and Developmental Spelling Stages to Differentiate Instruction Suite 3 C This session will make an evidence-based argument for combining oral reading instructional levels with developmental spelling stages to form small instructional groups in the classroom. In addition, session participants will learn how to use the electronic grouping functionality on the PALS website to form instructional groups for literacy and plan data-driven instruction. Participants will learn how to find the relevant PALS reports and features for creating instructional groups and how ongoing assessment (such mid-year PALS) can be used to form flexible groups across the year. Participants will use sample classroom data on oral reading levels and developmental spelling stages to form instructional groups. PALS Quick Checks for progress monitoring of oral reading accuracy, speed, and fluency, as well as PALS Quick Checks for progress in phonics and spelling will also be highlighted.

Action Research Lives: Preservice Teachers Present Real Problems Suite 2 A Presenter: Dr. Mary Ann Norman, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education, Ferrum College, Ferrum, Virginia

Strand: Enhancing the Quality of Instruction Audience: K-5/ college

Preservice teachers present their action research projects from their student teaching experiences. These projects include: “Engaging student as they learn to read.”

Vocabulary with Character: Lesson from Newbery Books Suite 2 C Presenter: Dr. Karen Parker, Dean, School of Education, Liberty University Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Upper Elementary Instruction based on award-winning literature enriches vocabulary development. Moral dilemmas and strong characters in Newbery Books also provide natural opportunities for character education.

Word P-O-W-E-R: Strengthening our Students Vocabulary Knowledge Suite 3 A Presenter: Sheila Tapscott, Reading Specialist, Title I, Henrico County Public Schools Bonita Sendra, Reading Specialist, Title I, Henrico Co. Public Schools Nyah Hamlet, Exceptional Ed. Coordinator, Henrico Co Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-5

This interactive session focuses on participants learning strategies to motivate students to learn vocabulary words. Participants will learn about engaging vocabulary activities that can be incorporated into their reading instruction!

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Saturday 10 30 AM

Working with Words, a New Approach to Spelling Suite 3D Presenter: Candace Adcock, Fourth Grade Teacher, Mecklenburg County Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Grades 3-5

Why continue to teach spelling words the same old way: 20 spelling words on Monday, test on Friday. In this session we will explore ways to improve spelling instruction by manipulating words using affixes, high frequency words, and rhyming patterns.

How to Reclaim 5,000 Teacher Words a Day Suite 2C Presenter: Dr. Monica Bomengen, Superintendent, Schools 21 Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-12

Teachers and administrators will learn how to use research-based classroom management strategies to reclaim 5,000 teacher words per day per classroom that are expended on the average low-level disciplinary issues and redirect those words toward literacy instruction.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Allan De Fina Suite 2B “You are the best teacher that I never had.”—Strategies for Teaching the English- Language Learner What literacy strategies work for non-native speakers? In this workshop, the presenter will talk about those best practices in reading and writing that support literacy growth for English-Language Learners. Practical, hands-on research-based strategies that are easy to implement in primary and middle grade classrooms and that actually do work will be presented.

Beyond Humpty Dumpty Suite 2D Presenter: Diane Foster, Early Literacy Specialist, STOP Organization Head Start Program and Suffolk School Board Member Strand: Closing the Achievement Gap Audience: Preschool/Kindergarten

Data suggest that 90% of the brain is wired by age 5. This session will address appropriate testing, benchmarks, and instruction for pre-k students in the area of emergent literacy.

Home School Connections: A Bilingual Reading Program Suite 2A Presenter: Tammy Gaudreau, First Grade Teacher, Chesapeake Public Schools Strand: Closing the Achievement Gap Audience: K-3

Home School Connection is a bilingual reading program that will change the way your parents relate to their children and their school through exciting reading activities and cooperative instructional nights. Readers’ Theater Suite 3A Presenters: Diane Marx, First Grade teacher, Virginia Beach City Public Schools Tammy Humphreys, First Grade Teacher VA Beach City Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: K-3

This session is an introduction to “Readers’ Theater” to promote increased student reading fluency, skills, and content Knowledge as students rehearse their lines and learn citizenship skills through interacting with their peers.

BREAKING IT DOWN Reading: Writing: Learning: Testing Suite 3 E Presenter: Sonja Montague, Alexandria City Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Grades 8-12

The scaffolding strategies presented are for teachers to model and students to use. Teachers will walk away with a variety of reading and writing scaffolding strategies that support effective learning for students. Students who have been taught HOW to use scaffolding strategies are more likely to be successful on classroom assessments, Virginia SOL tests, and SAT test.

Engaging the Secondary Reluctant Reader Suite 3 B Presenter: Shantha Smith, Reading Specialist, Arlington, Public Schools Carmelita Turner, Special Education Teacher, Arlington Public Schools Strand: Teaching the Dimensions of Reading Audience: Middle and High School Teachers

This session equips teachers with tools that motivate secondary reluctant readers across content areas. Ways to nurture student self-efficacy will also be discussed. Open Books, Open Doors (COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD project report) Suite 3 C Presenters: Tamara Teaff, Librarian, Eagle Rock Elementary Donnie Spangler, Assistant Principal, West Salem Elementary Jane field, Librarian, Wasena Elementary Strand: Closing the Achievement Gap Audience: K-5

Children and parents, living in a homeless shelter, experience the joy of reading. This session will outline how to duplicate a similar program in your area.