2014prelimprogram

October 2014 Preliminary ProgramHarvesting the Fruits of Literacy

October 2–4, 2014Join the Illinois Reading Council at our fall conference as we welcome and learn from a number of diverse featured speakers who will help teachers, specialists, and administrators from every grade level and content area. We are pleased to announce this year’s speakers:

FALL 2014

P. David PearsonWhen it comes to literacy research, few can claim the depth of knowledge and breadth of experience that University of California, Berkeley’s P. David Pearson does. Unquestionably the most highly regarded research scholar in reading, David has received the highest awards from no less than the National Reading Conference, the IRA, NCTE, American Educational Research Association, and the Literacy Research Association. He was the founding editor of the Handbook of Reading Research (now in its fourth volume) and has served on the editorial review board for some 20 educational journals. His current research focuses on issues of reading instruction and assessment policies and practices at all levels–local, state, and national. David returns to Illinois where he did ground-breaking research in comprehension and comprehension instruction at the University of Illinois’s Center for the Study of Reading, a topic that just might appear in his keynote address.

Rafe EsquithThe New York Times says, “Rafe Esquith is a genius and a saint. The American education system would do well to imitate him.” His inner-city Los Angeles classroom at Hobart Elementary, known simply as Room 56, is unlike any other in the country. Esquith’s students, mostly immigrants or children of immigrants, living in poverty and learning English as a second language, voluntarily come to class at 6:30 in the morning and often stay until five in the afternoon. They learn math, reading, and science, but they also play Vivaldi, perform Shakespeare, often score in the top one percent on standardized tests, and go on to attend the best universities. Esquith is the only teacher to be awarded the President’s National Medal of the Arts. He has received the National Teacher of the Year Award, Oprah Winfrey’s “Use Your Life Award,” and the Dalai Lama’s Compassion in Action Award. An upbeat, revitalizing speaker, Rafe Esquith inspires audiences with his personal journey and plea to make students our priority. His General Session address at the 2014 IRA Convention is just a warm-up for his keynote at our IRC Conference.

Daniel Handler (A.K.A. Lemony Snicket)Novelist, musician, and screenwriter, four of Daniel Handler’s major works The Basic Eight, Watch Your Mouth, Adverbs and, most recently, Why We Broke Up, have been published under his name. In 1998 he began using the pseudonym Lemony Snicket and authored the best-selling book series All the Wrong Questions as well as A Series of Unfortunate Events, which has sold more than 60 million copies and was the basis of a feature film. Snicket is also the creator of several picture books, including the Charlotte Zolotow award-winning The Dark. Born and raised in San Francisco, Handler returned to his hometown after graduating college. He co-founded the magazine American Chickens! with illustrator Lisa Brown (with whom he soon became smitten), and they moved to New York City, where Handler eventually sold his first novel after working as a book and film critic for several newspapers. He continued to write, and he and his wife returned to San Francisco, where they now live with their son. He might appear as Snicket, as Handler, the author, or as Handler, Lemony Snicket’s representative, IRC members are sure to find his presentations something to remember.

Harvesting the

Fruits of Literacy

For more information, visit the IRC Website at www.illinoisreadingcouncil.org

2 October 2014 Conference Preliminary Program


Lucy CalkinsThe Founding Director of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Lucy Calkins is the Robinson Professor of Children’s Literature at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she co-directs the Literacy Specialist Program. The Reading and Writing Project is both a think tank, developing state-of-the-art methods, and a provider of professional development for hundreds of schools. As the leader of this world-renowned organization, Lucy Calkins works closely with superintendents, district leaders, school principals, and teachers to re-imagine what is possible when school leadership is closely aligned with professional development. She is the author or co-author of 40+ books. Her foundational texts include The Art of Teaching Reading, The Art of Teaching Writing, and Units of Study for Teaching Reading, Grades 3-5.

Linda DornProfessor of Reading Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Director of the UALR Center for Literacy, Linda is recognized nationally for her contributions to literacy education and has presented at over 300 conferences at international, national, and state levels, including keynote and featured presentations. She has twenty seven years of experience in education, including teaching at the elementary, intermediate, and college levels. Linda is the primary developer and lead trainer of the Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy Model, a nationally recognized model that uses literacy coaches as agents of change. She has published widely with 7 books on literacy instruction. Her most recent books are Apprenticeship in Literacy (2nd ed) with co-author Tammy Jones (Stenhouse), Interventions that Work with co-author Carla Soffos (Pearson), and an upcoming book, Changing Minds, Changing Schools with co-authors Forbes, Poparad, Schubert, and Traw (Hameray).

Tim ShanahanA Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Founding Director of the UIC Center for Literacy, Tim Shanahan was Director of Reading for the Chicago Public Schools and is author or editor of more than 200 publications including the books, Teaching with the Common Core Standards for the English Language Arts, Early Childhood Literacy, Developing Literacy in Second-Language Learners, and Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten through Third Grade. Professor Shanahan is past president of the IRA, a member of the National Reading Panel, chair of the National Early Literacy Panel, and the National Literacy Panel for Language Minority Children and Youth. He helped write the Common Core State Standards. In 2013, he received the William S. Gray Citation for Lifetime Achievement from the International Reading Association. He was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame in 2007 and is a former first-grade teacher.

Steven KelloggAn author and illustrator of picture books—about 110 books in 45 years—Steven Kellogg has also illustrated a great many titles by other authors. He has always loved the way that pictures can deepen and expand the text of a story—creating a “beautiful duet.” He says, “I want the time that the reader shares with me and my work to be an experience that will encourage an enthusiastic lifetime association with pictures, words, and books.” Kellogg serves as the vice-president of the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance, a national not-for-profit organization that advocates for literacy, literature, and libraries. In 2013 Steven published The Green Bath, Farty Marty, and Snowflakes Fall. In the dedication to this last title Steven writes: “I was very active in the school and library communities of Newtown and Sandy Hook, Connecticut, where I lived with my family for thirty-five years. My first book for children was published just before we moved there and was followed by a hundred more books that were created in the attic studio of our old farmhouse. It is my hope that this book celebrates the laughter, the playful high spirits, and the uniqueness of the children of Sandy Hook and of children everywhere.”

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Andrea Davis PinkneyAn author of more than thirty books for children and young adults, Andrea has made significant contributions to literature for young people through a body of work that brings a deeper understanding of African American heritage. Andrea’s recent nonfiction work, Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America is the recipient of the 2013 Coretta Scott King Author Award medal, a New York Times Notable Book, and a Chicago Public Library “Best of the Best.” Other award winners include Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down (Jane Addams Honor Book, Parenting Publication Gold Medal, Carter G. Woodson Award), Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride (Jane Addams Honor Book, School Library Journal “Best Book of the Year”), Let it Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters (Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book, Carter G. Woodson Award for historical works for young people), Duke Ellington (Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor Book), and Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation (Oprah Radio featured selection). Andrea was recently named among “The 25 Most Influential People in Our Children’s Lives” by Children’s Health Magazine. Come to the luncheon and hear her keynote to appreciate the well-earned accolades.

Richard AllingtonDick Allington, Professor of Education at the University of Tennessee, has served as president of the National Reading Conference and the IRA. He received the William S. Gray Citation of Merit from IRA for his contributions to the organization and the profession. He was co-recipient of the Albert J. Harris Award for contributions to improving professional understanding of reading/learning disabilities and was elected to the Reading Hall of Fame. Dick has served, or is serving, on several editorial advisory boards and has authored more than 100 research articles and more than a dozen books. A recognized leader in the field of literacy, Dick’s presentations are no-nonsense, evidence-based, and inspirational.

Jerry PinkneyA native of Philadelphia, Jerry has been illustrating children’s books since 1964. Over one hundred titles later he has been the recipient of five Caldecott Honor Medals, five New York Times “Best Illustrated Books,” and five Coretta Scott King Awards. In addition to his work in children’s books, Jerry has illustrated for the US Postal Service, National Parks Service, and National Geographic Magazine. In 2001, Jerry was invited by First Lady Laura Bush to illustrate and design the White House Christmas Program for the Visitors Center. He has held several professorships and taught at Pratt Institute, the University of Delaware, and the University at Buffalo. In 2003, Jerry was appointed to the National Council of the Arts–NEA, and served from 2003 to 2009. His art can be found in the permanent collections at the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, the Delaware Art Museum, the Brandywine River Art Museum, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art as well as in private collections.

Pam AllynThe founder of LitWorld, a global organization advocating for children’s rights as readers, writers and learners, Pam is the author of the acclaimed and award-winning What to Read When: The Books and Stories to Read with Your Child–And All the Best Times to Read Them (Penguin Avery) and the Complete Year Series (Scholastic). Her most recent books are Pam Allyn’s Best Books for Boys: How To Engage Boys in Reading in Ways That Will Change Their Lives (Scholastic), and Your Child’s Writing Life (Penguin Avery) and Be Core Ready: Powerful, Effective Steps to Implementing and Achieving the Common Core State Standards (Pearson). Pam’s personal quest to bring literacy to every child stems from a deeper desire to bring dignity to every child, and to empower children to read and write powerfully, effectively, and with passion in ways that will change their worlds. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Oprah Radio, The Huffington Post and in The New York Times.



Brandi NollBrandi Noll is a professor, author and professional development provider by trade, but more importantly she is an advocate for all struggling readers, as well as their hard-working teachers. Brandi received her undergraduate elementary education degree from Walsh University, her masters in reading from Malone University and her Ph.D. from The University of Akron. Her prior experiences in the field of education include the roles of teacher, reading tutor, reading specialist, literacy coach, and professional development provider for area schools. Brandi currently teaches literacy courses at Ashland University including reading intervention, phonics, and advanced literacy methods. She has authored books, journal articles, and online texts, and presented across the nation about high quality literacy instruction and intervention. In addition, Brandi works with many K-12 school districts on-site, collaborating with their administrators, teachers, and students to better improve teaching, learning, and assessment.

Sara Holbrook and Michael SalingerThese veteran educators and coauthors of High Definition: Unforgettable Vocabulary-Building Strategies Across Genres and Subjects (Heinemann, 2010) and Outspoken! How to Improve Writing and Speaking Through Poetry Performance (Heinemann, 2009) are sought-after speakers and professional development consultants. Sara and Michael present together and individually as they share expertise to inspire even the most reluctant students to speak clearly and write from the heart. Sara is the author of fourteen books for children, teachers, and adults and a frequent keynoter at state, local, national, and international conferences. A dynamic presenter, she’s dedicated to helping students find their voices through language that is both precise and concise. Michael has been writing, teaching and speaking professionally for more than 20 years for audiences in 21 countries. His work has appeared in dozens of literary journals. His latest publication is a collection of humorous poems defining S.A.T vocabulary words titled Well Defined: Vocabulary in Rhyme. Michael delivers creative classroom strategies that are fun and rigorous.

Roberta L. BerglundHaving served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, ELL resource teacher, Director of Title I Programs, and Director of Literacy, Roberta L. (Bobbi) Berglund has also been a member of the reading faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and has taught reading courses at Northern Illinois University, Rockford University, National Louis University, and Aurora University. Bobbi has worked with school districts and state education agencies in developing curriculum materials, assessments, and leading professional development programs. She has been a speaker at state, national, and international conferences and a leader in professional organizations. An author of over 50 publications, she is the author or coauthor of fifteen professional books including the fourth edition of Content Area Learning: Bridges to Disciplinary Literacy and the fourth edition of Fluency: Differentiated Interventions and Progress-Monitoring Assessments.

Steven L. LayneA fifteen-year veteran of public education—serving as a classroom teacher and reading specialist in grades two, three, five, six, seven, and eight, Steven Layne currently serves as Professor of Literacy Education at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, where he directs the university’s Master of Education in Literacy program. Steve has received numerous honors for his work as an educator and researcher including the Milken Foundation’s National Award for Teaching Excellence, the USA Today’s All-Teacher Team, NCTE’s Edwin A. Hoey Award Winner for U. S. Outstanding Teacher at the junior high level. The IRC has recognized Steve as the 2000 ICARE for Reading Award winner and as the 1999 Reading Teacher of the Year. Author of twenty-four books, past president of the Illinois Reading Council and member of the IRC Hall of Fame, Steve is serving a three-year term as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Reading Association.



Sophie C. DegenerAn associate professor in reading and language at National Louis University, Sophie Degener is the Director of the Reading Program and teaches classes in beginning reading, reading research, and literacy methods. Her research interests include family literacy, differentiating literacy instruction, and teacher education. She does professional development work with local schools in implementing balanced literacy instruction that reflects current understandings of best practice in differentiated instruction, guided reading, and writing. Sophie is Associate Editor for the Illinois Reading Council Journal, co-editing and writing the quarterly Professional Development column. She has recently co-authored two books on differentiated reading instruction with Jennifer Berne, Responsive Guided Reading in Grades K-5: Simplifying Small Group Instruction, published in 2010 and Strategic Reading Groups: Guiding Readers in the Middle Grades, published in 2012. The two authors are currently working on a new book about teacher-student interactions during reading and writing conferences.

Laurie Elish-Piper and Susan K. L’AllierA Distinguished Teaching Professor, Presidential Engagement Professor and Director of the Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic at Northern Illinois University, Laurie Elish-Piper worked as an elementary and middle school teacher and an educational therapist in a clinical setting. Laurie has served the IRC in many ways over the years, including as a committee chair, member of the board of directors, and as an Associate Editor for the Illinois Reading Council Journal’s Parents and Reading Column. Laurie currently serves on the Board of Directors of the International Reading Association. Susan K. L’Allier is an Associate Professor and Reading Program Coordinator in the Department of Literacy Education at Northern Illinois University. She was an elementary school teacher for eight years, a lead teacher for five years, and a principal for four years. Susan has served the IRC as a committee co-chair and is currently on the Editorial Advisory Board for the Illinois Reading Council Journal. Laurie and Susan’s recent research, publications, and presentations have focused on literacy coaching, including articles in The Reading Teacher, Elementary School Journal, and Illinois Reading Council Journal. To show effective literacy coaching in action, Laurie and Susan published a video “workshop in a box,” The Literacy Coaching Series (www.theliteracycoachingseries.com). Their most recent book is The Common Core Coaching Book: Strategies to Help Teachers Address the K–5 ELA Standards (Guilford Press).

Kathy H. BarclayA professor of reading and former department chair at Western Illinois University, Kathy H. Barclay served as co-author of the Illinois Reading First Professional Development Academies and lead consultant for the Language and Literacy section of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. For the past nine years she has served as editor of the Illinois Reading Council Journal. She is co-author of the Everything Guide to Informational Literature, K-2: Best Text, Best Practices (Corwin Press) and author of Together We Can: Uniting Families, Schools, and Communities to Help ALL Children Learn (Kendall-Hunt Publishing).

Jennifer I. BerneAn Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Literacy and Elementary Education at Northern Illinois University, Jennifer Berne’s research interests are in the teaching of writing, comprehension strategy instruction, and teacher education. Her school-based work includes staff development for teachers, reading specialists, and principals on understanding and implementing new methods in literacy teaching and learning. Her interests in literacy teaching and learning span all levels, and she has written books focused on post-secondary literacy, high school writing, middle grade and elementary reading.



Jerry L. JohnsA distinguished teaching professor emeritus at Northern Illinois University, Jerry Johns was a classroom teacher and a special reading teacher and has taught students from kindergarten through graduate school. Among the 35 or so books he has authored, coauthored, or edited are Basic Reading Inventory (11th edition), Improving Reading, Essential Comprehension Strategies for the Intermediate Grades (6th edition), Comprehension and Vocabulary Strategies for the Elementary Grades (2nd edition), Reading and Learning (4th edition), and Content Area Learning: Bridges to Disciplinary Literacy (4th edition), all published by Kendall Hunt. His more than 700 presentations for schools and professional organizations involved travel throughout a majority of the states and thirteen countries. Jerry served as president of the International Reading Association, the Illinois Reading Council, the Northern Illinois Reading Council, and the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. Currently, he consults with schools, conducts workshops with teachers, speaks at local, state, and international conferences, and works on various writing projects. He also enjoys playing pinball, fine dining, driving his sports car, traveling, and visiting his family in Washington and Michigan.

Michael ManderinoAn assistant professor in the Department of Literacy Education at Northern Illinois University, Michael Manderino’s research centers on the intersections between disciplinary literacy and multiliteracies at the secondary level. That work also includes research on disciplinary literacy coaching. He was a social studies teacher for 14 years and a literacy coach and coordinator for 2 years. A recipient of dissertation awards from the Literacy Research Association as well as the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers, Michael was also a finalist for the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the International Reading Association. He is a member of a multi-institutional Institute for Education Sciences (IES) Reading for Understanding grant, Project Reading, Reading for Understanding Across Grades 6-12: Evidence-based Argumentation for Disciplinary Learning.

Darrell MorrisA contributor to the legendary Virginia Spelling Studies with his work on the relationship between invented spelling and early literacy variables, Darrell Morris served for a number of years on the faculty at the National College of Education (now National-Louis University). He is currently Professor of Education and Director of the Reading Clinic at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. While at Appalachian State, he has directed the master’s program in reading and helped school districts throughout the country set up early reading intervention programs. Recently, Darrell and his colleagues have been studying children’s (grades K – 6) performance on informal reading inventories. An expert and leader in the field of reading diagnosis and correction, he is the author of The Howard Street Tutoring Manual (Guilford, 2005), Diagnosis and Correction of Reading Problems (Guilford, 2014), and the recipient of the International Reading Association’s 2005 Dina Feitelson Research Award.

Wendy McClureThe author of The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie and several other books for adults and children, Wendy McClure is a senior editor at Albert Whitman and Company, where her recent projects include books in the Boxcar Children series. The Wilder Life was chosen for the Midwest Booksellers Choice Award as well as a Barnes & Noble Discover Selection. The pop culture columnist for BUST Magazine, she has contributed to The New York Times Magazine, Glamour, and This American Life. Wendy grew up in Oak Park, Illinois and has an MFA in poetry from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Chris.



Donna OgleActively involved in professional development projects in the US and internationally, Donna Ogle has focused her career on supporting instruction that enhances students’ thinking and learning across the content areas. She co-directs the Reading Leadership Institute at National Louis University where she is Professor Emeritus and was the senior consultant for the Chicago Striving Readers federal research project. Donna serves as a literacy consultant internationally, and has recently participated in conferences in Mexico and in Guatemala. A past president of both the Illinois Reading Council and of the International Reading Association, she was inducted into the IRA Reading Hall of Fame. Her publications include Building Academic Vocabulary K-8 (2013), Partnering for Content Literacy: PRC2 in Action (2010), Building Literacy in Social Studies (2007), Engaging in the Language Arts (2009), All Children Read (2010, 3rd ed.), Coming Together as Readers (2009, 2nd ed.), and Reading Comprehension: Strategies for Independent Learners (2009).

Mark ParsonsWriting primarily non-fiction for several years, Mark Parsons has penned over a hundred articles for national magazines, as well as a pair of non-fiction books. Road Rash is his first book-length fiction, drawing from his experience as a rock drummer. “With this book, I wanted to create a work with a young male protagonist, one who’s on his way…but not quite there yet. As my sons and their friends grew, I took note of which books held their attention and which didn’t. I think there can be a way to convey an inherent theme in a book without explicitly preaching, and one component is to treat the reader as a peer, regardless of age.” Prior to his becoming a full-time writer, Parsons was an instructor for a Fortune 500 corporation. He lives in California and is married to well-known children’s author Wendelin Van Draanen.

Wendelin Van DraanenHaving written more than thirty novels for young readers and teens including her Edgar-winning Sammy Keyes series, Wendelin Van Draanen is the author of Flipped, which was named a Top 100 Children’s Novel for the 21st Century and became a Warner Brothers feature film in 2010, with Rob Reiner directing. Other titles include Runaway, Confessions of a Serial Kisser, Swear to Howdy, and The Running Dream which was on the 2014 Rebecca Caudill master list and was awarded ALA’s Schneider Family Award for its portrayal of the disability experience. Van Draanen also has two four-book series for younger readers. The Shredderman books feature a boy who deals with a bully by creating an on-line superhero persona and received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit.” The Gecko & Sticky books are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers. A classroom teacher for fifteen years, Van Draanen was born in Chicago and now lives in California with her husband, Mark Parsons.

Ursula VernonAuthor and illustrator of the webcomic Digger and the children’s books Dragonbreath and Nurk: The Strange, Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew from Harcourt-Brace and Penguin Dial, Ursula Vernon is the daughter of an artist. She spent her youth attempting to rebel and become a scientist, but eventually succumbed to the siren song of paint. Her work has been nominated for an Eisner award, “Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition” and a number of Webcomics Choice Awards. Ursula grew up in Oregon and Arizona, went to college at Macalester College in Minnesota, and eventually settled in North Carolina, where she works full-time as an artist, writer, and creator of oddities. She lives with her boyfriend, his beagle, a small collection of cats, and a large collection of Indonesian masks, all of which mostly contrive to keep her out of trouble.



Chris CrutcherCrutcher’s years as teacher, then director, of a K-12 alternative school in Oakland, California and his subsequent years as a therapist specializing in child abuse and neglect, inform his thirteen novels and two collections of short stories. “I have forever been intrigued by the extremes of the human condition,” he says, “the remarkable juxtaposition of the ghastly and the glorious.” He has also written what he calls an ill-advised autobiography titled King of the Mild Frontier, which was designated by Publishers Weekly as “the YA book most adults would have read if they knew it existed.” Chris has received a number of coveted awards, from his high school designation as “Most Likely to Plagiarize” to the American Library Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. His favorites are his two Intellectual Freedom awards, one from the National Council for Teachers of English and the other from the National Coalition Against Censorship. Five of Crutcher’s books appeared on an American Library Association list of the 100 Best Books for Teens of the Twentieth Century.

Jay AsherHaving worked at an independent bookstore, an outlet bookstore, a chain bookstore, and two public libraries, Jay Asher hopes, someday, to work for a used bookstore. He has co-written a novel with Carolyn Mackler, The Future of Us, but Thirteen Reasons Why is his first published novel. Of Thirteen Reasons Why, Sherman Alexie, author of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian says “Thirteen Reasons Why is a mystery, eulogy, and ceremony. Twenty or thirty times, I snapped the book shut when a sentence, an image, or line of dialogue was too beautiful and painful. But I, afraid and curious, would always return to this amazing book. I know, in the years to come, I will often return to this book.” When he is not writing, Jay plays guitar and goes camping. The Illinois Reading Council is pleased to introduce Jay Asher to our members.

Tom LichtenheldTom Lichtenheld loves drawing pictures and telling silly stories. His books include multiple New York Times bestsellers including Duck! Rabbit!, Wumbers and the ALA Notable Children’s Book, E-mergency! A former advertising art director, his first book was inspired by his nephew, who asked him to draw a picture of a pirate. In Everything I Know about Pirates, Lichtenheld offers “a tongue-in-cheek approach to piracy,” according to The Reading Teacher. Based on “educated guesses and made-up facts,” Everything I Know about Pirates unravels the many mysteries of piratedom, such as why buccaneers wear eye patches and where they get their ears pierced. Tom’s books are consistently praised for their humor, expressive characters, and rich–sometimes hidden–detail. He is known for creating books that appeal to children and adults alike, and his wide portfolio of books offers something for every age. Tom, an Illinoisan, is a frequent and popular speaker at schools and events across the country.

Sharon ZinkeA specialist in the area of literacy development, RtI, and reading intervention, Sharon Zinke has worked with struggling readers at elementary, middle, and high schools in her years as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and resource specialist. Most recently, her professional development with elementary and middle schools focuses on how to quickly raise the decoding and word recognition levels of students reading significantly below grade level. She has inspired hundreds of teachers through her reading courses and staff development in Bay Area elementary schools. Sharon currently works with classroom and reading intervention teachers, literacy coaches, and special education teachers to plan effective intervention and classroom strategies for struggling readers. Her new book, The Decoding Solution: Rime Magic and Fast Success for Struggling Readers, was published by Scholastic in January, 2013.



Andrew ClementsAndrew Clements has written more than 60 books including the enormously popular Frindle. He has sold over 10 million copies and received sixteen state awards, a Christopher Award, and an Edgar for Room One: A Mystery or Two. Clements writes about things he knows, which is why school is his most common setting. Raised and educated in Illinois he received his MAT in Elementary Education from National-Louis. He taught elementary, middle, and high school in Illinois for a number of years. He reports that he was “riffed” as an Illinois teacher on more than one occasion, so he decided to go into a field where employment was stable, a career as a singer-songwriter. That, of course, was before he began writing. He moved to Massachusetts where he now lives with his family.

Maria WaltherA favorite of IRC members, Maria Walther has taught first grade since 1986. Along with teaching young learners, Maria inspires other professionals by sharing her knowledge through professional development experiences. The ideas she shares reflect her continued commitment to teaching, researching, writing, and collaborating with her colleagues. Maria was honored as Illinois Reading Educator of the Year and earned the ICARE for Reading Award for fostering the love of reading in children. She has co-authored six professional books with Scholastic including The Next Step Guided Reading Assessment, K-2 and 3-6. With her extensive experience, her Ph.D., and her glorious reputation, multiple Illinois universities have pursued Maria to take a faculty position. She remains resolute in her commitment to the first graders.

Margo SouthallWith two decades of experience as a classroom teacher, special education resource teacher, reading specialist and literacy coach to guide her, Margo Southall now enjoys her role as an educational consultant with school districts across the United States. Margo’s books and training are designed to support teachers in developing highly effective, differentiated literacy programs. Margo has authored three books on differentiated teaching practices, including a best-seller, and a grade-level series of differentiated literacy materials: Ready-to-Go Differentiated Literacy Centers, Differentiating Reading Instruction for Success with RtI, Differentiated Small-Group Reading Lessons and Differentiated Literacy Centers (Scholastic).

Camille BlachowiczProfessor Emeritus and Co-Director of the Reading Leadership Institute at The National College of Education of National Louis University, Camille Blachowicz has researched, written, and presented extensively on the topic of vocabulary instruction which is the subject of several of her books including: Teaching Vocabulary in All Classrooms; No More “Look up the List” Vocabulary Instruction, and Teaching Academic Vocabulary K–8: Effective Practices Across the Curriculum. Camille has been both a Fulbright and a Spencer Fellow. She was named to the roster of Outstanding Teacher Educators in Reading by the International Reading Association and is also a member of the IRA Hall of Fame and the Illinois Reading Council Hall of Fame.

Becky Anderson WilkinsThe co‐owner of Anderson’s Bookshops, which won the prestigious national award for Bookseller of the Year by Publisher’s Weekly, Becky Anderson Wilkins has been President of the American Booksellers Association, the Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC), and the Great Lakes Booksellers Association. Becky’s love of reading and placing the right book in the right child’s hand is apparent in her co‐founding of Naperville Reads, a community-wide reading program and Andrea’s Angels, a program that has distributed over 350,000 new and used books to disadvantaged children. Her awards include the ISBE’s Award of Excellence for community volunteerism, the Voice of the Heartland Award from the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association, and IRC’s Hall of Fame.

All Conference Attendees, Presenters, and Illinois Legislators will be invited to attend the Welcome Reception as we kick off the conference with a bang! Elizabeth Goldsmith-Conley is a puppeteer with a long career in education. She has taught at all levels from nursery school through college and has worked with both gifted and struggling students in inner city schools as well as exclusive private schools. She is a talented performer who has used her special expertise in reading and literacy to enrich her performances and workshops. Elizabeth is active in the Illinois Reading Council and is President of the Central Illinois Puppetry Guild.

A LIGHT DINNER WILL BE SERVED

Wednesday, October 1, 20147:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Abraham Lincoln Ballroom

WELCOME RECEPTION

Wednesday, October 1, 20148:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Abraham Lincoln Ballroom

What are the hottest new adult titles for your reading pleasure? Come to Book Gossip and

hear about great reads for grown ups!Books will be available for purchase.

POPCORN AND SODA WILL BE PROVIDED

Anderson’s Bookshops

Book Gossip

CONFERENCE STRANDSPlan now to attend one of the

LIBRARIANS

EARLY CAREER

RELUCTANT READERS

CIRPSponsored by the College Instructors of Reading Professionals

ICARESponsored by the Illinois Council for Affective Reading Education

TITLE ISponsored by the Illinois Title I Association

SRLSponsored by the Secondary Reading League

TECHNOLOGY

ILLCSponsored by the Illinois Language and Literacy Council

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

WRITINGWRITING

E

LL

COACHING

Hear the Authors Read and Late-Night Autograph Session

Thursday, October 2, 2014 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Hilton Grand Ballroom

Sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshops

Chris CrutcherAndrew Clements

Wendy McClure

Steven L. Layne

Tom Lichtenheld

Daniel Handler

Jerry Pinkney Ursula Vernon

Preservice Teachers’ Pizza PartyFriday, October 3, 20145:00 - 7:00 p.mAbraham Lincoln Ballroom

All Preservice Teachers are invited to the Friday Night Preservice Pizza Party. Join us for fun, games,and FREE pizza. Everyone will receive a door prize!

Plan to attend the Preservice Teachers’ Round Table Session from 4:15 to 5:00pm in the Abraham Lincoln Ballroom. This event is great for preservice teachers to converse with area school professionals about current topics. Topics will include: How to Survive the First Couple of Years, Legal Issues, and Common Core Standards Implementation/Effects. It is an ideal opportunity to get some insights and ideas for navigating the education profession.

HOW TO PLAYDownload the FREE IRC Conference App powered by Guidebook from the Apple Store or Android Marketplace. Then, search for the October 2014 Illinois Reading Council Conference Guide. Or, scan the QR Code shown below to visit http://guidebook.com/g/qk78w54y/.

At the conference, ask the exhibitors for help finding the hidden QR codes. Here’s a clue: each exhibitor has been given one of the 20 color-coded QR Codes that solves the puzzle.

Once you have found all the QR Codes and completed the entire phrase in your guide, show it at the Registration Booth for a raffle ticket to be eligible to win one of 2 FREE OCTOBER 2015 IRC Conference Registrations to be given away. The drawings will be held at the Exhibit Hall Extravaganza at 4:00 pm on Thursday, October 2, 2014 and at 3:30 pm on Friday, October 3, 2014 in the Exhibit Hall. Raffle tickets can be completed and deposited at the Membership Booth or Registration Booth. Good Luck!

QR Code Scavenger Game

Friday, October 3, 20148:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Abraham Lincoln BallroomCome and share in this open mic

event where first-time and experienced poets or storytellers

can share a poem or story. Refreshments will be served.

Hosted by Sara Holbrook and Michael Salinger

Poetry Coffeehouse

CONFERENCE OVERVIEWWednesday, October 1, 2014

Registration - Convention Center Lobby Welcome Reception - A. Lincoln Ballroom Book Gossip - A. Lincoln Ballroom

Thursday, October 2, 2014 Registration - Convention Center Lobby Thursday Breakfast - A. Lincoln Ballroom - Pam Allyn Orientation for New Participants - A. Lincoln Bond Sessions/Featured Speakers/Workshops Hall of Councils - Convention Center, Lower Level Exhibits - Convention Center Refreshments in Exhibit Area - Convention Center Thursday Luncheon - A. Lincoln Ballroom - P. David Pearson Thursday Luncheon - Hilton Grand Ballroom - Daniel Handler Thursday Lunch Sessions - Exhibit Hall Classrooms Sessions/Featured Speakers/Workshops Refreshments in Exhibit Area - Convention Center Exhibit Hall Extravaganza - Convention Center IRC Annual Membership Meeting - Hilton Rendezvous Thursday Prairie State Award Banquet - A. Lincoln Ballroom - Rafe Esquith Hear the Authors Read and Autographing - Hilton Grand Ballroom

Friday, October 3, 2014 Registration - Convention Center Lobby Friday Breakfast - A. Lincoln Ballroom - Lucy Calkins Sessions/Featured Speakers/Workshops Hall of Councils - Convention Center, Lower Level Exhibits - Convention Center Refreshments in Exhibit Area - Convention Center Friday Luncheon - A. Lincoln Ballroom - Steven L. Layne Friday Luncheon - Hilton Grand Ballroom - Linda Dorn Friday Lunch Sessions - Exhibit Hall Classrooms Sessions/Featured Speakers/Workshops Refreshments in Exhibit Area - Convention Center Preservice Teachers’ Round Table - A. Lincoln Ballroom Preservice Teachers’ Pizza Party - A. Lincoln Ballroom Friday Banquet - Hilton Grand Ballroom - Steven Kellogg Poetry Coffeehouse - A. Lincoln Ballroom - Sara Holbrook & Michael Salinger

Saturday, October 4, 2014 Saturday Breakfast - A. Lincoln Ballroom - Jay Asher Registration - Convention Center Lobby Sessions/Featured Speakers/Workshops Saturday Author Luncheon - Hilton Grand Ballroom - Andrea Davis Pinkney

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.1:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.1:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.



CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CHAIRS & STAFF Lou Ferroli, October 2014 IRC Conference Chair Patricia Tylka, Assistant Chair & 2015 Chair Karen Biggs-Tucker, Greeters/Hospitality Jennifer Carter, Greeters/Hospitality Barb Chrz-White, Registration Susan Cisna, Meal Tickets Mary Gardner, Special Events Gail Huizinga, Special Events Debbie Kaczmarski, Speaker Gift Bags Karen Kortkamp, Exhibits - Staff Kristin Kreckman, Registration - Staff Sheree Kutter, Signs Anne Midden, Audio Visual Roxanne Owens, Autographing Carol Owles, Preservice Pizza Party

Susanne Picchi, Special EventsTammy Potts, Illinois Reads Karen Ringas, MerchandiseKatherine Schumacher, Merchandise Sherry Sejnost, TechnologyCarrie Sheridan, Executive Director - StaffAmber Smith, Speaker Gift BagsRebecca Steinbach, Speaker Gift BagsKristen Stombres, Student HelpersDonna Stone, SignsDebbie Thomas, Audio VisualJoy Towner, Student HelpersBrian Tucker, Greeters/HospitalityDiana Woods, AutographingJennifer Young, Special Events

2013-2014 ILLINOIS READING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President - Tammy Potts President-Elect - Cindy Gerwin Vice President - Lou Ferroli Past President - Patricia Braun

Treasurer - Linda OshitaRecording Secretary - April FloodIRA State Coordinator - Roberta SejnostDirector of Membership - Janell Hartman

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Special appreciation is extended to the following professionals for their extensive contributions to the success of the October 2014 Conference.

PUBLISHERS & BUSINESSES Anderson’s Bookshops Book Gossip Hear the Authors Read Becky Anderson Wilkins Capstone Classroom Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Heinemann Lucy Calkins Illinois State Board of Education Nancy Paprocki International Reading Association Laurie Elish-Piper Lake-Cook Distributors Student Helpers McGraw-Hill School Education Timothy Shanahan Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Rowland Reading Company Kathy H. Barclay Scholastic, Inc. Richard Allington, Pam Allyn, Margo Southall Maria Walther, Sharon Zinke Treasure Bay Books Books for Presenters Treetop Publishing “Bare Books” Books for Presenters



GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATIONPlease take a moment to read the information below regarding the October 2014 IRC Conference. • IRC Conference is an Open ForumThe IRC Conference serves as an open forum and exchange of ideas and opinions. Opinions that are expressed by program presenters and participants do not reflect endorsements by the Illinois Reading Council.

• Conference SessionsAll conference sessions will be held in the Prairie Capital Convention Center, the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, and the Hilton Springfield Hotel.

• Pre-Registration & RegistrationPre-registered conferees may obtain their registration packets at the Registration Desk in the Prairie Capital Convention Center Lobby. On-site registration is also available. Hotel reservations and meal function tickets should be secured prior to arrival in Springfield. Meal functions usually sell out early. Registration Hours: Wednesday, October 1 – 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday, October 3 – 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 2 – 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 4 – 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

• Admission to MeetingsPaid conferees receive a badge with their registration packet. Badges are required at all times and for all conference functions. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-purchased tickets are required for all meal functions.

• Special AccommodationsIndividuals who need special accommodations should make specific requests in writing to the IRC office three weeks prior to the conference in order for their needs to be met.

• FoodAll scheduled meal functions require pre-purchased tickets. The concession area in the Convention Center will be open during exhibit hours. Springfield restaurant information will be available at the hospitality table in the Convention Center Lobby.

• Hospitality & Information TableA hospitality and information table is located in the lobby of the Prairie Capital Convention Center.

• Message BoardThere will be a message board for conferees to leave notes in the registration area at the Convention Center. A phone line (217-788-8836) has been established at the Registration Desk to receive emergency phone calls.

• Lost and FoundInquire at the Registration Desk in the Convention Center regarding lost and found items. IRC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Shuttle ServiceIRC will provide free shuttle service between the hotels/motels on the IRC Housing Form and the Prairie Capital Convention Center on Thursday and Friday. The Shuttle Schedule will be printed in the program book. Please note that all hotels have shuttle service information. On Saturday, there are many parking options available and on-street parking is FREE.

• Preliminary Program BookIn accordance with IRA guidelines, individuals have not been designated by titles. Acknowledgments to publishers and other companies for sponsoring speakers and special events are current as of this printing. Information in this preliminary program is subject to change.

• No SmokingIn consideration of others we request your cooperation in observing the NO SMOKING regulations inside buildings.

• Cell PhonesPlease silence phones during sessions at the conference.

• Videotaping/Audiotaping/PhotosUnless notified in writing, registration to the conference constitutes an agreement that the registrant’s image, likeness, and appearance can be used in photographs of such events and activities It is also not permitted to videotape, audiotape, or take photos of conference speakers without the speaker’s consent.

• Cancellation/Refund PolicyConference refund requests must be in writing and postmarked by September 15, 2014. Requests can also be faxed to (309) 454-3512 or emailed to [email protected]. A $25 processing fee will be assessed. Please note that membership fees are non-refundable. Conference registration is transferable and replacement of names must be requested by September 15, 2014.

READ18 October 2014 Conference Preliminary Program


7:00 – 8:30

Thursday BreakfastBe Core Ready: A New Story for a New Era of Readers

Featured Speaker: Pam Allyn

7:00 – 7:45

Orientation to the IRC Conference (All) Presenters: Boomer Crotty, Kathleen Sweeney

Pre-Conference SessionsWednesday, October 1, 2014

Conference SessionsThursday, October 2, 2014


Admin = Administrators ELL = English Language Learners Lib = Librarians Spec = Special Needs Students Univ = Professors/Instructors

8:00 – 9:00

He Said, She Said (All) Featured Speakers: Wendelin Van Draanen, Mark Parsons

The Role of Reading Volume in Developing Readers (K-8) Featured Speaker: Richard Allington

Assess, Decide, and Guide: The Keys to Helping All Readers Meet the Common Core Standards (K-3) Featured Speaker: Maria Walther

Close Reading Across Multiple Text Types (All) Featured Speaker: Michael Manderino

Revisiting the Concept of Reading Instructional Level (All) Featured Speaker: Darrell Morris

The Right Book at the Right Moment (All) Featured Speaker: Andrew Clements

The Next Step in Differentiated Literacy Centers: Brain-Based, Multilevel Practice Designed for the Common Core (All) Featured Speaker: Margo Southall

Literacy, Technology, and the Common Core (6-9, Tech) Presenters: Christina Becker, Teresa Burdin

Think Small – No Smaller, and Watch the Growth (PreK-12) Presenters: Tamiko Jones, Katherine Jones, Kenya Sadler

More than the Common Core: Empowering Students with Authentic Literacy (K-9, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Michelle Brezek, Christine Jantz, Beatriz Lopez

Depend on the Text (6-12) Presenters: Angelica Kalat, Stephanie Moore

Sandwiches in the Spotlight – Using Creative Dramatics to Enhance Vocabulary Instruction (K-3) Presenters: Emily Hayden, Alison Gilchrist

Literacy Wellness Check-Up (All) Presenters: Tammy Gramlich, Cheryl Walker

Everybody Has A Story: Using Feature Articles and Interviews to Teach Expository Writing (4-9, Writing) Presenter: Christine Voreis

How to Love a Book (4-9) Presenter: Juliann Caveny

Using Joan Bauer Books to Create Classroom Community (4-9) Presenter: Mary Martin

Why We Need Coaching NOW More than Ever (K-9, Adults, Univ, Admin, Coaching) Presenters: Stephanie Delgrosso, Shelli Reetz

Harvesting Interest in Informational Text Through Intriguing Inquiry (K-12) Presenter: David Bates

Picture Books Aren’t Just for Story Time (K-6) Presenter: David Wamsley

Classroom Talk: Negotiating Language and Literacy Instruction (K-12, ELL) Presenters: Dara Soljaga, Simeon Stumme

Literacy Strategies that Work (4-12, Admin) Presenters: Jill Uhlman, Lisa Castleman

Teaching Character Education Through Novels (4-12) Presenters: Lindsay Bohm, Jamie Impson, Molly Lindsey

Easing Students’ Comprehension of Challenging Texts (6-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Mecca Sadler, Natalie Bourn

Teacher Read Aloud in Middle School? It’s Not Just for Primary Anymore (6-9, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Amy Cooley, Jennifer Henderson

7:00 – 8:30

Welcome Reception

8:30 – 10:00

Anderson’s Bookshops Book Gossip



Books + Award Winning Art = Deeper Comprehension through Visual Literacy: Using Caldecott Books to Foster Deeper Understanding of Texts (K-3) Presenter: Sandra Volling

Co-Teaching the Common Core (4-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Catherine Mattoon, Alexandria Mayers

Solving the Problem of Close Reading with Math (K-9) Presenters: Katie Minkalis, Linda Sokolowski, Jerome O’Shea

Creating the New Balanced Literacy School: Implementing Common Core (All) Presenters: Margaret Policastro, Becky McTague

Book Buddies (K-6) Presenters: Tanya Gambill, Linda Robinson, Wendy Peal

Early Literacy – How Sweet It Is (PreK-3) Presenters: Julie Bianchin, Beth Hatlen

Road to Readers’ Responses: Journaling, Blogging, Author Writing (4-6) Presenters: Lora Rainey, Jean Catalano

Reading to the Rhythm (K-3, Spec, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Laura Vollmer

Reading Workshop: A Glimpse into a Third Grade Classroom (K-6) Presenter: Sara Murphy

Think Outside the Box! How a “Bizzy Blonde” Became a Librarian, Embraced the Common Core, and Broke the Sacred Cow of Silence (K-9, Librarian) Presenter: Ann Orchard

9:15 – 10:15

He Said, She Said (All) Featured Speakers: Wendelin Van Draanen, Mark Parsons

New and Notable Books for Grades K-8 (K-8) Featured Speaker: Becky Anderson Wilkins

Read Something Else (All) Featured Speaker: Daniel Handler

Is Your K-2 Literacy Instruction Common Core Ready? (K-2) Featured Speaker: Kathy H. Barclay

Exploring the Complexities of Informational Texts with Young Readers (K-8) Featured Speaker: Donna Ogle

Dragonbreath: Kids and Comics (All) Featured Speaker: Ursula Vernon


Building a Collaborative Classroom with iPads (6-9, Tech) Presenters: Shannon Heckman, Jessica Ludwig

Success with the COMMON CORE, Grammar Jingles, the Writing Traits and much MORE (K-9, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Michael Schafstall, Becky Moran

Connecting the Daily 5 to Your Classroom Technology (K-9, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Jessica Beckner

5 R’s: Revolutionary Reading Routine = Resounding Results (K-12, ELL, Spec, Adults, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Sarah Dennis

Harvesting the Fruits of Literacy Through Advocacy (All) Presenters: Mike Ellerman, Helen Bryant, Kathy Merz

25 Books That Can Change a Child’s Life (K-12, ICARE) Presenter: Boomer Crotty

Coaching in a Culture of Common Core (Adults, Univ, Admin, Coaching) Presenters: Robert H. Plonka, Amy Butler

Are You Looking for Complex Texts? Consider Wordless Picture Books (PreK-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Amy Huftalin, Ruth Quiroa

The Critical Reading Project (CRP): Assessing Developmental College Reading Students More Effectively (Adults, Univ, Admin) Presenters: Julie Dockery, Gail Gordon-Allen, Keith Sprewer

Cultivating Writer’s Workshop in Your Classroom: A Space Where All Students Can Flourish (6-9, Writing) Presenters: Claire Wilmsen, Dayna Divenere

Harvesting the Fruits of Ag Literacy (K-6, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Danny Mielneczek

GATE: An Intervention Tool For 1st Grade Struggling Readers With New Levels (K-3, Spec, Admin) Presenter: James Cline

Reaching the Reluctant Writer (K-12, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Linda Mikottis

Common Core Common Sense: Creating Cross-Curricular Teachable Moments (K-6) Presenters: Linda Reven, April Flood

Harvesting Literacy through Intrinsic Motivation (4-12, ELL, Spec, Univ, Admin) Presenters: Heather Lambert, Karen Stocks

Using Foldables to Harvest the Common Core (K-9) Presenters: Stacy Baker, Ann Kluesner

Cracking the Code: Motivating and Engaging Adolescent Males (4-12, Reluctant Readers) Presenters: Jeanette Brosam, Nicole Moss

Reading Assessment Strategies for Secondary Classroom Use (6-12, Admin) Presenter: Jenny Murphy

Higher Education Program Redesign: New General ISBE Standards for Elementary and Middle School Literacy (Univ) Presenters: Patricia Braun, Jane Hunt



The Total Literacy Experience: Blending Fiction and Nonfiction Reading in Units of Study (4-9) Presenters: Sarah Nichols, Shannon Dickinson, Lori Youngblood

Small Group Structures for Guided Instruction Within a Reading Workshop Model (4-12, ELL) Presenter: Erin Metaxas

The Power of Conversing in the Classroom (K-12) Presenter: Alissa Fewell

Making Books That Inspire Student Writing (K-6) Presenter: Louann Brown

A Song and Play for More-Engaged K-1 Reading Instruction (K-1) Presenters: Elaine Teter, Karina Lepeley, Erika Tuttle

Engage Learning with Pinterest and Daily 5 (K-3) Presenters: Melissa Boatman, Jennifer Haberkorn

The Power of Words: Effective Instructional Language and the Danielson Framework (K-9, Admin) Presenters: Julia Cloat, Laura Garland

Focus: Practical Applications and Implementation of the Common Core State Standards (K-9, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Phyllis Boemo, Amy Zaher

Summarizing with A Poetic Twist (K-9, ELL, Spec, ICARE) Presenter: Kathleen Sweeney

Strategic Instruction for Content Area Literacy (4-12) Presenters: Joy Towner, Kristen Stombres

Librarians’ Roundtable (Librarian) Presenter: Leslie Forsman

10:30 – 11:30

Primary-Grade Vocabulary Instruction in the Common Core Era (All) Featured Speaker: Jerry L. Johns

RtI and Literacy Development (K-5) Featured Speaker: Richard Allington

Transforming Literacy Instruction for the Common Core (K-3) Featured Speaker: Maria Walther

Disciplinary Literacy as Responsive Practice: The Role of the Teacher (6-12) Featured Speaker: Michael Manderino

Inside the Books and Brains of Tom Lichtenheld (All) Featured Speaker: Tom Lichtenheld

Word Whizzes, Vocabulary Virtuosos and Language Mavens: Engaging Students in Word Learning (K-8) Featured Speaker: Camille Blachowicz

Family Engagement and the Common Core: Why It Matters and What We Can Do (All) Featured Speaker: Pam Allyn


E-readers, Tablets, and the Internet, Oh My! (K-6, Tech) Presenters: Nichole Woodruff, Pamela Ciway

Implementing CCSS and PARCC-Aligned Performance Tasks for Learning (K-12, ELL, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Sheleen DeLockery

Curriculum + Technology = InTECHgration (PreK-12, ELL, Spec, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Donna Breckenfelder, Kelly Lynn

Thousands of Words: How NaNoWriMo Works (4-9, Writing) Presenter: Juliann Caveny

So Many Strategies, So Little Time. Using Metacognition Strategies to Develop Reading Comprehension in Intermediate-Grade Students (4-6, ICARE) Presenters: Brenda Kraber, Barbara Rieckhoff, Peggy Roketenetz, Megan Stanton

Instructional Coaching: A Model for Teacher Support (K-12, Admin, Coaching) Presenters: Megan Hoffman, Laura Foote, Haley Nickolaou

Inspirational Literature: Cultivating Compassion in Adolescents (4-12, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Amy Orvis

Integrating Literature and Language Arts with Social Studies for Argument Writing Aligned with Common Core State Standards (6-9, Admin) Presenters: Kristina Utley, Vicki Lydon

I Can Do That! Teaching for Self-Efficacy in Literacy at All Grade Levels (K-12) Presenters: Melissa Sloatman, Shelby Holmertz, Karen Johnson, Kelley Beard

Deepening Content Knowledge Across Multiple Genres (K-6, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Patricia Pollack, Erik Lepis

Reading and Writing With Paired Texts Aligned to Common Core (K-3) Presenter: Adrianne Roggenbuck

Word Herding: Grabbing and Gathering Words Through Their Connections to One Another (K-9) Presenter: Jamil Odom

Making Literacy Fun through Games (All) Presenters: Stephanie Benson, Jean Ann Carter

Argumentative Writing in the Disciplines? Prove it! (4-12, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Amanda Krich

Unlocking Close Reading (4-9) Presenters: Nancy Geldermann, Linda Feaman

The Changing Face of Picture Books in a Digital Classroom (PreK-3, Tech) Presenter: Anastasia Ely

A Cornucopia of Literacy Units Promoting CCSS ELA 6-12 Standards (6-12) Presenter: Cindi Koudelka

Teaching Academic Vocabulary in Math and Science (K-12) Presenter: Peter Fisher

Let’s Pair Up! (4-6) Presenters: Karen Hayes, Katie Howlett

Overcoming the Obstacles That Interfere With a Positive Reading Block (PreK-6, Spec, Admin) Presenter: Kelly Millburg

Motivate Your Young Writers (K-3, Lib) Presenter: Adam Peterson

Teaching Out-of-the-Box – Bringing Math to Life (K-12, Spec, Adults) Presenter: Tom Kearney

Deeper Learning Through Discussion for All Students in Grades 3-12 (4-12) Presenter: Tracy Tarasiuk

Implementing Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop 101 (K-3) Presenters: Jenna Dunn, Julie Johnsen

When One Size Doesn’t Fit All (4-12, ELL, Spec, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Amy MacCrindle, Brian Miller

Celebrating and Promoting the 2015 Rebecca Caudill Nominees (4-9, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Michelle Glatt, Ruth Gheysen

Visual and Verbal: Harvesting the Bounty of Pictures (All) Presenter: Carol Hanzlik-Chasnoff

Teaching the Social Skills of Academic Interaction (4-12, Univ, Admin) Presenter: Nancy Steineke

The Library: Year-Round, School-Wide, Ways to Utilize Your Library – and Your Librarian (K-12, Admin, Librarian) Presenters: Donna Miner, LuAnn Grimm

11:45 – 1:30

12:00 – 1:00 (Bring your own lunch from the Exhibit Hall Snack Bar)

Enhancing Comprehension Instruction with Manipulatives (K-6, ELL, Admin) Presenter: Susan L. Hall

Making Time for Short and Powerful Writing (K-12, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Kristina Smekens

1:45 – 2:45

How a Girl in High-Tops Changed My Life (All) Featured Speaker: Wendelin Van Draanen

Picture Books as a Springboard to Literacy Activities (All) Featured Speaker: Steven L. Layne

Increasing the Amount of Voluntary Reading Your Students Do (K-8) Featured Speaker: Richard Allington

Beating the Drum for Passion (All) Featured Speaker: Mark Parsons

Preventing Reading Failure in Grades K-2: What Have We Learned? (K-2) Featured Speaker: Darrell Morris


Art as Text: Lessons and Resources for Developing Close and Critical Reading (3-5) Featured Speaker: Donna Ogle, Jenny Siegenthaler

Writing to Increase Literacy and Synthesize Learning Across Content Areas Featured Speakers: Sara Holbrook, Michael Salinger

Boys and Reading: Making it Work (All) Featured Speaker: Pam Allyn

Literacy Coaching to Help K-5 Teachers Address the Common Core (K-5) Featured Speakers: Laurie Elish-Piper, Susan K. L’Allier

Literature Circles: Going Deeper into Fiction Using Nonfiction (4-9) Presenters: Debbie Buyan, Gina Shem

Transforming Literacy Instruction for the Common Core (4-6, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Karen Biggs-Tucker, Brian Tucker

Building a Passion for Writing Through the Illinois Young Author’s Conference (K-9, Writing, ILLC) Presenters: Christina Podraza, Susan Anderson

Literacy Instruction in the Digital Age (K-12, Tech) Presenters: Kim Wagner, Lynn Stafford, Emily Wallen, Kathie Glascoe, Megan Austin, Mellissa Isham



Thursday LuncheonTeaching Reading in the Era of the Common Core

Featured Speaker: P. David Pearson

Thursday LuncheonDaniel Handler Interrogated in a Windowless Room

Featured Speaker: Daniel Handler

Using Writing and Speaking to Close Read Complex Text (4-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Jennifer Lippert, Stacie Noisey

Come Explore an Ag Book (K-12, Spec, Adults, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Kevin Daugherty

Integrating iPads with Reading Intervention Programs (K-6, Tech) Presenter: Katie Ludes

Bridging the Gap for our Bilingual Students (K-9, ELL, Admin) Presenters: Maria Schlup, Monique Martinez

Brain-based Early Reading Instruction, PreK-2nd: Connecting the Teaching of Skills with the Joy of Reading (PreK-3) Presenter: Jane Vallin

The Impact of Drama Based Reading ((K-9, ELL, Admin) Presenters: Laura St. John, Marlon St. John

Reading and the Whole Child (4-9, ELL, Univ) Presenter: Peter Hilton

Five Ways to Support Struggling Readers in the Regular Classroom (4-6, ELL, Univ Admin) Presenters: Shari Frost Roth, Ariella Weiss

Harvesting Each Student’s Potential: Student Goal Setting (K-9) Presenter: Priscilla Dwyer

Infusing Literacy Strategies into Multiple High School Content Areas (9-12) Presenters: Amy Venable, Kimberly Perisin

Success in Science Through Literacy Strategies (6-12) Presenters: Melissa Sethna, Katie Giambeluca, Jamie Moderhack, Alyssa Wiltjer

Creating Voracious Readers! (All) Presenter: Ryan Schaefer

Literacy and Instructional Coaching Round Table (All, Coaching) Presenters: Amy Stoops, Dana Briggs, Barb Mazzolini, Kathleen Skinner

Close Reading With Our Youngest Readers (PreK-3) Presenter: Amy Kempf

Let’s Pair Up (K-3) Presenters: Becky Furnish, Julie Klemm

Speaking and Listening with LEGOs (K-3) Presenter: Michael Carton

Developing Analytical Thinkers (K-6, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Sheila Tucker, Joanne Komenda

NGSS and Literacy (K-6, Lib) Presenter: Kristin Thorsen

Close Reading of Complex Text is for Every Child (K-6, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenter: Cynthia Drumheller

Engaging Students with Nonfiction (4-9) Presenters: Kirby Andler, Jensen Shane

The Admiration of the Picture Book (PreK-3, ELL, Spec, Lib) Presenter: Laura Beltchenko

How Two Middle School Teachers Use Reader’s Theater (K-9) Presenters: Juanita Scott, Elise Rasso

Infusing Science into Literacy Programs: A Practical, Realistic Approach to Meeting NGSS and CCSS Standards (K-3) Presenters: Pam Farris, Roseann Feldmann

3:00 – 4:00


Comprehension, Close Reading, and the Common Core (All) Featured Speaker: P. David Pearson

Real Talk for Real Teachers (All) Featured Speaker: Rafe Esquith

Turning Real Life Into Fiction (All) Featured Speaker: Chris Crutcher

Beginning Readers Are Not Just Small Versions of Readers! Scaffolding Beginning Readers to Complex Text (K-2) Featured Speaker: Kathy H. Barclay

Complex Texts, Complex Tasks, Complex Times (All) Featured Speakers: Jennifer I. Berne, Sophie C. Degener

Dragonbreath: Kids and Comics (All) Featured Speaker: Ursula Vernon


Using Digital Tools to Support Best Practices of Literacy Instruction (6-12, ELL, Spec, Tech) Presenter: Jamie Gourley

Hyperactive Students are Never Absent! Engagement Strategies to Help Students Attend (All) Presenter: Jim Grant

Exceeding the Expectations of Students, Colleagues, and the Community, Disney Style! (K-6, Admin) Presenters: Laura Garland, Linda Zulkowski, Zak Fitzenreider, Tracy Mazurkiewicz

Family Reading Night at Your School (K-6, ELL, Spec, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Kate Russell

Engaging Adolescents in Literacy (6-9, Admin) Presenters: Janel Bolender, Trisha Warner

Experiments in Literacy (4-12) Presenters: Layla Schuld, Jason Arneson



Exhibit Hall Extravanga

4:00 – 5:00

College Instructors of Reading Professionals (CIRP) Reception

5:15 – 5:45

Annual Membership Meeting(All IRC Members Are Invited)

6:15 – 8:15

8:30 – 10:30

Thursday Prairie State Award BanquetTeach Like Your Hair’s on Fire Featured Speaker: Rafe Esquith

Tom Lichtenheld2015 Prairie State Award Winner

Hear the Authors Read and Autographing

Andrew ClementsChris CrutcherDaniel HandlerSteven L. Layne

Tom LichtenheldWendy McClure

Jerry PinkneyUrsula Vernon

Graphic Novels - The New Genre (K-9, ELL, Lib) Presenter: Barbara Ashton

Designing Literacy-Based Lessons with Motivation and Student Engagement in Mind (6-12, ELL, Reluctant Readers) Presenter: Terry McHugh

It’s More Than a Picture Walk (K-6, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Kimberly Pearce

Implementing Writing Workshop: Process, Challenges and Success (K-9, Spec, Univ, Admin, Lib, Writing) Presenters: Margaret McGregor, Renee Mackin

Reading Comprehension in Math: Make the Connection (K-9, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Laura Meehan, Sharon Kranz, Loretta Johnson

How Will We Make Sure Students Learn 2,000-3,000 New Vocabulary Words Each Year? (4-12, ELL, Admin) Presenter: Susan L. Hall

Erasing the Misery of Reading Multi-Syllabic Words (4-12, Spec) Presenters: Kathy Young, Sue Grisko

Author! Author! Developing Literacy Skills through Author Studies (4-9) Presenters: Jeanne Okrasinski, Dana Stodden

The Anna Plan – Whole Class Support Model for Early Literacy (K-3, Admin) Presenters: Gail Webb, Barbara James, Hannah Youngman

All for Fun and Fun for All (All) Presenters: Dana Tieman, Lorraine Strutner, Kimberly Link, Susan Tiburzi

Promoting Close Reading Using Apps for Writing and Reading Life Stories (K-9, ELL) Presenters: JoAnne Vazzano, Christine L. Madda

Goal-Setting in the Workshop Classroom (6-12) Presenter: Nichole Folkman

Interactive Read Aloud with Purposeful Talk: The Foundation of Literacy (K-6, Spec, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Debra Honegger

Making Thinking Visible: Authentic Assessment of Comprehension (6-12, Admin) Presenter: Mark Levine

Get Going With Graphic Novels: Let’s Enhance Literacy Experiences Through Graphic Novels (4-9, ELL, Lib) Presenter: Amber Reedy

Using School-Wide Reading Programs to Get Kids Reading (K-12, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Keri Werner, Susan Vondran

Grant Writing in Several Easy Steps (All) Presenter: Roxanne Forgrave

Developing Student Talk in the Classroom (K-12, ELL, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Amy MacCrindle, Laura Strebler

Harvest the Fruits of Co-Teaching: Get the Best Slice of the Literacy Pie (4-9, Admin) Presenters: Mary Lindig, Sandra Simmons, Christine Bucciarelli, Lori Kimes

Using Reader Response to Deepen Comprehension (K-9, Spec, Univ, Lib) Presenter: Melissa Pletkovich

Literacy Coaching and Leadership at the School Level (PreK-12, ELL, Spec, Univ, Admin, Coaching) Presenters: M. Tara Joyce, Robert H. Plonka, Brian Roach

iTeach with iPads – Using Technology in the Literacy Classroom (K-6, ELL) Presenters: Kristen Marchiando, Carla O’Connor, Kara Thomas



8:00 – 9:00

Transforming Literacy Instruction for the Common Core (K-3) Featured Speaker: Maria Walther

Teaching with Challenging Text (All) Featured Speaker: Timothy Shanahan

The Vocabulary Gap: Building Knowledge Through Explicit Vocabulary Instruction (K-6) Featured Speaker: Linda Dorn

Turning Real Life Into Fiction (All) Featured Speaker: Chris Crutcher


Reading Images: How to Analyze the Purpose of Information Presented in Diverse Media Featured Speakers: Sara Holbrook, Michael Salinger

Time Travel and Other Adventures: Bringing the Past to Life (All) Featured Speaker: Wendy McClure

Art as a Manuscript (All) Featured Speaker: Jerry Pinkney

Literacy Coaching to Help K-5 Teachers Address the Common Core (K-5) Featured Speakers: Laurie Elish-Piper, Susan K. L’Allier

App it! Apps for Teachers of Reading and Writing (Part 2, K-9, ELL, Tech) Presenters: Beth Herrig, Moira Arzich

The Transformative Power of the Tutoring Experience: Reaping Unexpected Harvests (9-12, ELL, Spec, Univ, Admin) Presenters: Mary Miritello, Jeff Carpenter

Don’t Give Up Your Day Job: A Brief Look at Children’s Books Written by Celebrity Authors (PreK-9, ELL, Lib) Presenters: Cecile Arquette, Dianne Hollister

You Really Should Get Out More. Generative Vocabulary Out in the World (4-12, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Margaret McGregor

Conference SessionsFriday, October 3, 2014



Math and Mirth (PreK-12, Spec, ICARE) Presenter: Boomer Crotty

I’m Not a Genius But My Students Are! Genius Hour in the Elementary Classroom (K-9) Presenters: Anne Olsen, Laura Bright, Kindra Schumacher Shanna Piccony

WANTED: Literacy Leadership to Increase Independent Reading Among Adolescents (4-9, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Karen Walker

Pause to Ponder (K-6, Univ) Presenters: Catherine Stewart, Kelly Chaney

ELL-Friendly Literacy Blocks and RtI Strategies (K-6, ELL, Admin) Presenters: Lindsay Meeker, Jenifer Guyton

Formative Assessments on the Fly (6-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Mecca Sadler, Natalie Bourn

Self-Regulated Strategy Development: The Effects on Narrative Essay Writing of Struggling Writers (4-6, Writing) Presenters: Jenna Adolph, Christine Anderson

How to Plan, Pay for, and Carry Out an Awesome Author Visit (All) Presenter: Juanita Scott

Shaken, Not Stirred (K-6) Presenters: Kris Raitzer, Mindy Pudlo

Now What?: Advice for New Teachers (K-6, Career) Presenters: Jason Biggs, Brian Tucker

Shifting Responsibility for Learning (6-12, ELL, Reluctant Readers, SRL) Presenter: Ann Eifler

Dialogical Mentoring Relationships Between Literacy Educators (4-9, Univ, Admin) Presenter: Chyrese Wolf

I Despise Test Prep Too, But... (6-12, Admin) Presenter: Erik Czerwin

Which Vocabulary Are You Talking About? Exploring the Different Types of Vocabulary That A Student Must Master (K-12, Spec) Presenter: Jon Jones

Teacher Candidates as Researchers in a Children’s Literature Course (All) Presenters: Stephanie Yearian, Beth Kania-Gosche, Courtney Forsyth, Savannah Dill

The 3Rs – Rigor, Relevance, and Romeo: Classic Text, Common Core Twist (9-12) Presenters: Amy Brown, Amy Yeaman

Implementing Guided Reading A-Z and More (K-6, ELL, Univ, Admin, Title I) Presenter: Marilyn Cordes

The Data Toolbox (All, Title I) Presenter: James O’Toole

Reading Strategies + Gestures = Success (K-6, Title I) Presenters: Julie Steinke, Jamie Matthews

7:00 – 8:30

Friday BreakfastHigh Leverage Methods for Lifting the Level of Students’

Reading and Writing: Reaching Toward CCSSFeatured Speaker: Lucy Calkins

Harnessing the Power of Conversation: Using Purposeful Talk to Increase Comprehension (4-9) Presenters: Melinda Rench, Sarah Avallone

Poverty Matters (All) Presenters: Cheryl Caesar, Sheryl Gray

I Speak English, You Speak Spanish – Let’s Work Together! (PreK-6, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Amy Schmidt, Barbara Downs

Re-Thinking Developing Reading (PreK-3, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Wallace Howard

No Wasted Time, No Wasted Space (4-6) Presenter: Joni Kitchens

Mentor Texts for the 6 Writing Traits and Common Core Strategies (K-9, ELL, Spec, Admin, Writing) Presenter: Joyce Jeewek

Monitoring Comprehension Using iPad Technology (K-6, Tech) Presenter: Susan Massey

Upping the Rigor in Primary Writing! (K-3) Presenters: Elizabeth Niemiec, Julie Atchison, Linda Rosenzweig

More Than Anything Else: Building Passion in Primary Readers (K-3, Career) Presenter: Dylan Teut

From Theory to Practice: How Two Educators Improve Student Learning Through Disciplinary Literacy (6-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Camille Lutz, Denise Mitchell

Connecting High School Teachers and College Faculty to Support the 21st Century College Student (Univ) Presenters: Patricia Braun, Jane Hunt

The 2015 Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award Nominees (9-12, Librarian) Presenter: Leslie Forsman

Agriculture to the Core (K-6, Spec, Adults, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Jackie Jones

Inquiry with Informational Text: How to Cultivate Whole-Class Discussion (6-12, Admin) Presenter: Mark Levine

Igniting the Spark of Learning: Hands-On Activities to Capture the Attention of Middle School Students (4-9) Presenter: Kari Pawl

Implementing Guided Reading A-Z and More! (K-6, ELL, Univ, Admin, Title I) Presenter: Marilyn Cordes

Using Technology to Create Global Citizens (All, Title I, Tech) Presenters: Sheila Ruh, Sherry Sejnost

A Common Core Partnership: The Social Studies C-3 Framework and the ELA State Standards (4-12, ELL, Spec, Univ, Lib, Title I) Presenter: Roberta Sejnost

Digital Publishing (K-6, Lib) Presenter: Kristin Thorsen

Poetry in Middle School: Meeting Standards, Shaping Lives (6-9) Presenter: Christy Rush-Levine

9:15 – 10:15

New and Notable Books for Grades 4-8 (4-8) Featured Speaker: Becky Anderson Wilkins

In Defense of Read-Alouds (All) Featured Speaker: Steven L. Layne

Very Practical Help Teaching Kids to Write Essays (3-8) Featured Speaker: Lucy Calkins

Trying (Like Hell) to Find Common Ground with Censors (All) Featured Speaker: Chris Crutcher

Revisiting the Concept of Reading Instructional Level (All) Featured Speaker: Darrell Morris

What Struggling Readers Need (All) Featured Speaker: Brandi Noll


Scaffolding into Figurative Language: Demonstrating Understanding of Word Relationships and Nuances of Meaning Featured Speakers: Sara Holbrook, Michael Salinger



Rime Magic: Fast Success for Struggling Readers (K-6) Featured Speaker: Sharon Zinke

Communication and Collaboration in the 21st Century Classroom (K-9, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenter: Karen Higginson

Increasing Motivation Among Reluctant Readers (K-6, Spec, Reluctant Readers) Presenter: Monica Buckner

Enhancing Student Motivation in Literacy (K-6) Presenter: Christina Podraza

Picture This! (4-6, Spec, ICARE) Presenters: Brenda Kraber, Kathleen Fleming

Creating Listening Centers to Support Content Area Instruction (K-9) Presenter: Donna Werderich

Supporting Comprehension for ESL Students (K-6, ELL) Presenter: Kim Wagner



Core Resources to Support the Implementation of the ELA Common Core Standards (K-9, Spec) Presenter: Melissa Jones-Bromenshenkel

Authors’ Craft: The Glue, The Scissors, The Text (4-9) Presenters: Jeanne Topic, Lauri Bruder

10:30 – 11:30


Teaching with Challenging Text (All) Featured Speaker: Timothy Shanahan

Comprehension, Close Reading, and the Common Core (All) Featured Speaker: P. David Pearson

Demystifying What Makes Nonfiction Lessons Effective (PreK-2) Featured Speaker: Kathy H. Barclay

Fluency and the Common Core: Strategies that Count (All) Featured Speakers: Jerry L. Johns, Roberta L. Berglund

What Struggling Readers Need (All) Featured Speaker: Brandi Noll



Engaging Students Through Reader’s Theater (4-9) Presenter: Adam Lee

Writing Responses to Close Reading (4-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Melinda Grimm, Laura Kieran

iPads for Intervention (6-12, Tech) Presenters: Emily Boyas, Laura Stanton

Empowered Discussions Empower Learners (K-12, ELL) Presenter: Heather Harder

Spice Up Your Vocabulary Instruction (K-9) Presenter: Melissa Pletkovich

Viewing, Listening, and Speaking About Literacy Using Technology and Primary Sources (4-6) Presenter: Mellissa Isham

Writing Techniques That Excite, Engage, and Empower Students (4-6) Presenter: Rosanne Zuccaro

Strategies for Close Reading Using Fiction Based on Notice and Note by Kylene Beers and Robert Probst (4-9, Spec, Lib) Presenters: Mary Goumas, Idelle Melamed

Integrating Common Core Standards in the ELL Classroom (4-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Katie Meinzer, Kathy Klaeren

Using Differentiated Informational Literature to Build Text Comprehension (4-9) Presenter: Tamera Rhomberg

Catching At-Risk Kindergartners Before They Fail – in Twenty Minutes a Day (PreK-K) Presenter: Alison Schmerler

Using Word Study to Expand Vocabulary for Struggling Middle and High School Readers (6-12) Presenters: Ruth Rohlwing, Brian Roach

Literacy and Language: Supporting ELs During Literacy Instruction (K-12, ELL, Admin) Presenter: Stacie Noisey

Using Informational Children’s Literature to Develop Process Skills in Literacy and Science (PreK-6) Presenters: Melissa Stinnett, Sebastian Szyjka, Abha Singh

I Wish I’d Known Then What I Know Now (All, Career) Presenters: Lindsay Bohm, Jamie Impson, Molly Lindsey

A Reason to Write: Developing Writers Within Realistic Situations (6-12, Adults, Writing) Presenter: David Alan Smith

21st Century Pre-Service Teachers as Readers (Univ, Career, CIRP) Presenter: Mary Hicks

The 2015 Bluestem Nominees (4-6, Librarian) Presenter: Leslie Forsman

Motivation Strategies for Parents and Teachers to Improve Students’ Literacy at Home and School (PreK-12, ELL, Spec, Adults, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Willie J. Kimmons

One Author-One School: Promoting a Passion for Literacy Through a School-Wide, Cross-Curricular Program (K-12, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Heather Kraus, Shammas Noor, Lindsay Allen, Megan Truax

Effective Balanced Literacy in the Middle Grades (4-9, Admin) Presenters: Jeff Baughman, Nicole Gaddis, Nikki Egan

Title 1: Designing a Cohesive Program in Districts and Schools (All, Title I) Presenter: Nancy Paprocki

Integrating Technology and the Common Core Standards to Improve Literacy (All, Title I, Tech) Presenters: Sheila Ruh, Sherry Sejnost

A Common Core Innovation: Literature Circles = Inquiry Circles (4-12, ELL, Spec, Univ, Lib, Title I) Presenter: Roberta Sejnost



Tom Sawyer Mock Trial Readers Theater (4-9) Presenters: Charles Hyser, Charlie Daugherty, Leesa Potthogg

Utilizing Picture Books to Promote a More Dialogic Middle School Classroom (4-12, ELL, Spec, Lib) Presenters: Catherine Mattoon, Dawn Langdon, Joan Clark

Ripe Writers Make the Best Readers-How Early Writer’s Workshop Strengthens the Reading Process and Harvests the Goals of the CCSS (K-3, Admin) Presenter: Ilyse Brainin

Grit, Mindset, and Determination: The Key to Perseverance (All) Presenter: Jim Grant

Changing Lanes to Excellent: Effective Literacy Instruction in Domain 3 (K-12, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Gail Huizinga, Deb Hays

12:00 – 1:00 (Bring your own lunch from the Exhibit Hall Snack Bar)

Reading for Meaning Fluently With Web-Based: Read Live For Common Core Standards and RtI (K-12, ELL, Spec, Adults, Univ, Admin) Presenter: James Cline

Teaching Text Structure Aligned to Common Core (4-9) Presenter: Adrianne Roggenbuck

1:45 – 2:45

Bridges to Disciplinary Literacy in the Common Core Era (All) Featured Speakers: Jerry L. Johns, Roberta L. Berglund, Michael Manderino

New and Notable Books for Young Adults (Young Adults) Featured Speaker: Becky Anderson Wilkins

The Horizons of Storytelling (K-7) Featured Speaker: Steven Kellogg



Rime Magic: Fast Success for Struggling Readers (6-12) Featured Speaker: Sharon Zinke

Add a Touch of Magic to Your Literacy Lessons (K-6) Presenters: Jeff Lefton, Dan Davis

Discovering Text Complexity (K-12, Spec, Lib) Presenter: Gina Wilmurth

Struggling Readers Grade 5-12 (5-12, Lib) Presenters: Elizabeth Goldsmith-Conley, Pamela Godt, Boomer Crotty, Katie Ludes, Karen Walker, Kaitlin Shiaras

DigiLit: Book Clubs for a 21st Century Classroom (4-12, Lib, Tech) Presenters: Corey Holmer, Jamie Trow

Writing Rocks! (PreK-3, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Angie Gulliford, Carrie Hernandez

Illinois Reads: Harvesting the Fruits of Literacy Throughout the State (All) Presenters: Tamara Springer, Priscilla Dwyer

Funding Your Literacy Dreams (All) Presenters: Jennifer Bredemeier, Jennifer Young

Reading Strategies in a Co-Teaching Model (PreK-12, Spec) Presenters: Lynn Stafford, Emily Wallen

Empowering Parental Involvement with Bilingual Families (PreK-9, ELL, Spec, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Michele Langford, Shannon Thacker

Students Prescribing and Applying Solutions to Improve Reading (4-12, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Jennifer Lippert

Genocide as Unit of Study with Digital Production (4-12, Univ, Admin) Presenters: Kristina Utley, Maia Randhava

Bringing Grammar Back! (K-6, Writing) Presenters: Bess Kirch, Letisha Pena

Unleashing Student Strengths to Enhance Learning (K-12, Adults, Admin) Presenters: Rachael Pullen, Monica Genta

Planning for a Close Read (K-12, Univ, Admin) Presenters: Jill Liapis, Kathleen Doyle

Unplugging the Mysteries of Content Literacy for All (4-12, ELL, Adlts, Admin) Presenter: Julie Joynt

Bolstering Comprehension with Independent Reading (4-9, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Allison Kapitanoff



11:45 – 1:30

Friday LuncheonIf You Only Knew . . .

Featured Speaker: Steven L. Layne

Friday LuncheonUnderstanding Text Complexity: Matching Books to K-3

Readers Featured Speaker: Linda Dorn

No Time to Write? (4-12, ELL) Presenter: Dawn Paulson

Instructional Practices to Support Elementary Students with PARCC (K-6) Presenters: Beth Luttrell, Kim Gremaud, Heather Sax

Using Data To Guide Instruction (4-12, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Jeanette Brosam

Designing Close Reading Activities So (Even Struggling) Readers Can Access Complex Text (6-12, Spec, Univ, Admin) Presenter: Terry McHugh

10 Top Tips for Junior Faculty: Wisdom from the Veterans (Univ, CIRP) Presenters: Patricia Braun, Jane Hunt, Cindy Wilson, Joyce Jeewek,

Spandex, Capes, Pencils and Pens: Reaching Reluctant Writers with Graphic Novels and Comic Books (4-12, Spec, Reluctant Readers) Presenter: Jason Arneson

Motivation Strategies for Parents and Teachers to Improve Students’ Literacy at Home and School (PreK-12, ELL, Spec, Adults, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Willie J. Kimmons

Reloading the Canon: Using Poetry as Paired Texts for Literature Instruction (6-12) Presenter: Donna Vorreyer

Encouraging Success in Students (4-12) Presenter: Dawn Andermann

Harvest the Knowledge of Title I Teachers (All, Title I) Presenters: Susanne Riddell, Ann Peters

The Data Toolbox – Part B (Reporting and Graphing the Data, All, Title I) Presenter: James O’Toole

Children’s Literature and Resources to Meet Common Core Standards (K-12, ELL, Spec, Lib, Title I) Presenter: Roxanne Forgrave

Common Core Driven with Google Drive (4-12, ELL, Spec, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Rebecca Ziegler

Reading “Detectives” in the Middle Grades: CSI Literacy (3-8) Presenter: Rebecca Carranza

Learning Styles: Fruits of Our Classrooms (All) Presenter: Christy Ziller

3:00 – 4:00

The Vocabulary Gap: Building Knowledge Through Explicit Vocabulary Instruction (K-6) Featured Speaker: Linda Dorn

Moving Beyond Quick Assessments, Paperwork, and Flow Charts: RtI Actions That Truly Affect Teaching and Learning in Literacy (All) Featured Speaker: Brandi Noll

PARCC Educator Leader Cadre Panel (All) Presenter: Deb Hays

Illustrations in Children’s Literature, What Pictures Can Teach Us About Visual Literacy and Comprehension (PreK-3, ELL, Spec, Lib) Presenter: Laura Beltchenko

A Day With ReadWriteThink.org: Tools, Apps, Technology Across the Curriculum (All) Presenter: Lisa Fink

Common Core and Technology Fusion: 10 Ways Google Apps Helps to Improve the Writing Process (4-12, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Jimmy Juliano

Easy Ways to Integrate Technology Into Your Literacy Centers (K-3, ELL, Spec, Tech) Presenters: Kim Eggemeyer, Chris Denton, Deb Talbert

The Power of Mentor Texts (K-3) Presenter: Lindsay Silis

The Multi-Dimensional Reading Model: Engaging All Learners With Authentic Text (4-9) Presenters: Colleen Whittingham, Grace Pigozzi

Every Teacher’s Worst Nightmare: Writing and the Common Core. What You Can Do to Make Writing Fun For Your Students (K-6, Admin) Presenter: Dana Schott

A Survey of Quality African American Children’s Books for Grades K-6 (K-6) Presenters: Tamie Holmes, Dawn Eddy

Common Core Writing the Uncommon Way (4-9) Presenters: Ben Zulauf, Katie Sullivan

A Look at Literacy in Spanish and English (ELL) Presenter: Sara Knigge

Early Childhood and Primary Writing: Harvesting the Fruits of Literacy (PreK-3) Presenter: Sandra Doering

Creating a Classroom Website (K-6) Presenters: Lisa Niewold, Amy Swan

“Publish” All About It (K-12, Spec) Presenter: Avra Robinson

Are We There Yet? A Summary of the 25th Annual Learning Differences Conference, Harvard Graduate School of Education: Overview of 25 Years of Research and Practice (All) Presenter: Mary Beth Rolak-Sieracki

Group Tutoring and the Effects on Reading Fluency and Motivation to Read Using Related Science Activities (4-6) Presenters: Amy Ahern, Christine Anderson

Creating a Discipline-Based High School Reading Program: Academic Literacy (6-12, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Amanda Krich, Samantha Balbarin, Diane Covert, Melissa Sethna



Harvesting Literacy Within Your Own Classroom: How to Create an Interactive and Engaging Classroom Library (4-12, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Nicole Moss

Special Education and Reading – Strategies to Support the Adolescent, Diverse Learner (6-12, ELL, Spec, Univ, Admin) Presenter: Donna Herman

Do You Want to be Recognized as an IRC Outstanding Educator? (PreK-12, Univ) Presenter: Heather Harder

Make Them Say, “Can We Write Today?” (6-9, Writing) Presenter: Jennifer Trannon

A Closer Look at Close Reading (K-12) Presenter: Jon Jones

What Research Reports About Urban Reading: Causes and Comments (All) Presenter: Doug Lia

Teaching CCSS in the Trenches (K-6, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Megan Healy, Jessica Groebe

Poetry For the Non-Poetic Soul: How to Use Poetry in Your Common Core, Middle Grade Classroom (4-9) Presenter: Ruth Gheysen

Helping the Harvesters (All) Presenters: Sharon Pool, Lynne Titus, Erin Nuss, Deanna Leitz

The Story of Two High Schools: CCSS, PARCC, PERA (All) Presenters: Dea Conrad-Curry, Janelle Oxford, Terri VandeWiele

Differentiating for Dummies (K-6) Presenter: Carmen Yarbrough

Illinois Reading Council International Grant: Instituting Health Literacy in Rural Bhutan to Foster Healthy Hygiene Habits in the Classroom and Community (All) Presenters: Daryn Diuguid, Jennifer Hope

Creating a Culture of Reading (All) Presenters: Kelly Mulhern, Lynne White, Donna Kouri

Poetry and Poverty: How One School is Using Verse as a Game Changer (4-9, ELL) Presenters: Katie Minkalis, Jennifer Leadaman, Nicole Gentry, Kathleen Cirese

Whole School Approaches to Extend Literacy Opportunities and Motivate Students and Families (PreK-9, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Jan Rashid

Technology In-services: Creating a Tech-Savvy Culture in Your Building (Adults, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Tiffany Droege

Illinois Title I Association Annual Meeting Presenter: Noma Simpson

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 20148:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Complimentary Refreshments8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

in the Exhibit HallExhibit Hall Extravaganza and Door Prizes

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 20148:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Complimentary Refreshments8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

in the Exhibit Hall

VISIT THE IRC TREASURE CHEST IN THE IRC MEMBERSHIP BOOTH

The key you receive at registration may unlock the Treasure Chest for a free gift.

Visit the Exhibits



4:15 – 5:00

Preservice Teachers’ Round Table Session

5:00 – 7:00

Preservice Teachers’ Pizza Party

6:15 – 8:15

Friday BanquetThe Art of the Picture Book

Featured Speaker: Steven Kellogg

8:30 – 10:00

Poetry Coffeehouse Hosted by: Sara Holbrook and Michael Salinger

Conference SessionsSaturday, October 4, 2014

7:00 – 8:30

Saturday Breakfast12 Years to 13 Reasons

Featured Speaker: Jay Asher

8:00 – 9:00

The Horizons of Storytelling (K-7) Featured Speaker: Steven Kellogg

Scaffolding Student Transition Out of the Special Education Classroom 6-9, Special Needs Presenters: Denise Gilbert, Debbie Miller

Upload Your Personal Dictionary in Your Head Within 30 Days (6-12, ELL, Spec, Univ) Presenter: Edyth Young

Content Connections: Literacy Strategies in the Social Sciences (4-8) Presenters: Abigail Schmitz, Britney Whitehead

10 Icebreakers That Capture Class Attention While Fine Tuning Speaking and Listening (K-12, Adults, Univ, ICARE) Presenter: Boomer Crotty

Guiding Students in Reading and Math (K-6) Presenters: Marie Malone, Penny Forney, Nicole Cox

Hand in Glove: Teaching Social Studies in a Balanced Literacy Framework (K-6, Univ, Admin) Presenter: Karen Ruffner

Enhancing Engagement in the 21st Century Classroom (K-9) Presenters: Jane Garner, Rebecca Garner

Reaping What We Sow with Round-Robin Reading: Stories of Elementary Readers (K-6) Presenter: Sherry Sanden

Independent Reading for the Adolescent Reader (4-12) Presenters: Ben Zulauf, Katie Sullivan, Julie Zabel

Peer-Editing, Critique Group Style (4-12, Writing) Presenter: Kym Brunner

S.O.A.R. – STEP OUT AND READ (K-3) Presenters: Rhonda Towner, Laura Carr

The Best of the Best: iPad Apps to Support the Teaching of Reading (PreK-3, Spec, Tech) Presenter: Shira Schwartz



The Academic Vocabulary Classroom: Teaching Strategic Reading Based Upon the ELA Common Core Academic Vocabulary (K-9) Presenters: Jennifer O’Connor, Anne Marie Riordan, Melissa Marquino

Creating Text-Dependent Questions for Close Reading (K-6) Presenters: Katrinka Knerr, Amy DelGatto

Vocabulary Development: Technology Paired with Instructional Strategies to Increase Academic Language Use (4-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Laura Kieran, Melinda Grimm

Let’s Get Talking! (K-3) Presenter: Paige Nilson

Teaching with Technology (6-9, Spec) Presenter: Lisa Breese

Cultivating Collaboration and Increasing Student Engagement Using Google Docs (K-12, Spec) Presenters: Avra Robinson, Brandi Casey

RtI: How We Make it Work for Students (4-12, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Kathryn Michaels, Stacy Volden, Karmen Ewald

Growing Stronger Readers, Writers and Mathematicians (K-6) Presenter: Maura Allison

Books! Books! Books! (4-12, Lib) Presenter: Timothy Kramer

From Reading Specialist to Kindergarten Teacher - Tales from our 1st Year (PreK-3) Presenters: Karin Wood, Lisa McLeRoy

Discover the Adventure of Using Second Person Stories to Improve Comprehension for K-2nd Grade (K-2) Presenter: Susan Grant

What Makes a Hero? An Inquiry into Upstanders and Bystanders of the Holocaust (6-12, ELL) Presenters: Susan A. Garr, Jennifer Crall

Teaching Science and English Language Arts Together – The True Way to Differentiate and Integrate the Curriculum (All) Presenter: Tara Kristoff

Tolerance through Literature: Books that Address Homophobic Bullying and Gender Discrimination (All) Presenter: Tiffany Droege

Essential Literacies: Practical Tips and Tricks for the Diverse Classroom (6-12, Spec) Presenters: Karen Brown, Kimberly Jaros, Lisa Mangelsdorf

No More Excuses – One District’s Journey Into Authentic Literacy (K-8, Admin) Presenters: Christy Moore, Dana Simmers

Ethno-Blogging in the Classroom (6-12) Presenter: Jessica Pilgreen



Accommodations and Modifications – What Do You Mean “There’s a Difference?” (4-12, Spec, Admin) Presenter: Stephanie Tedford

Viewing Urban Youth as Language Minorities: Utilizing Vocabulary Tools from ESL Research in Your Classroom (6-12, ELL, Spec, Adults) Presenter: Beverly Rowls

Books, iPads, Chromebooks. Oh my! (K-9) Presenters: Catherine Lannert, Anne Olsen, Laura Bright

9:15 – 10:15

True Confessions of a Former Reluctant Reader (All) Featured Speaker: Andrea Davis Pinkney

Rime Magic: Fast Success for Struggling Readers (K-6) Featured Speaker: Sharon Zinke

Project Excel: Changing Students’ Academic Outcomes Through Rigorous and Complex Literacy 4-6,6-9,9-12 Presenter: Heidi Davey

Music and Games to Reach and Teach All (PreK-6) Presenter: Kathy Lickenbrock

Lessons from a TED-Ed Club: Teach Like You’re Rescuing a Baby Opossum (6-12, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Jimmy Juliano

Using Modifications and Reading Strategies to Teach Comprehension to Students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (K-12, Spec) Presenters: Amy Longmore, Mary Kate Brzozowski

Going Beyond The Norm: Close Reading With Non-Traditional Text (4-9) Presenters: Lauren McDonald, Karen Petelle, Nicole Kastory

Stepping Back and Letting Go: Removing Teacher-Created Barriers to Loving Literature (4-9, ELL, Spec, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Jen Burisek

Teaching Reading Through Research Workshop (K-6) Presenter: Abby Alley

Don’t Run From Running Records (K-6) Presenters: Jennifer Young, Jennifer Bredemeier

Tweens, Teens, and Technology in the Language Arts: There’s an App for That (4-9, Spec) Presenters: Melissa Jones-Bromenshenkel, Ashley Wishard

Riddling with Rigor: Semantic Ambiguity Detection Training Increases English Learners’ Reading Comprehension Achievement (ELL, Spec) Presenter: Sara Jozwik

Becoming a Literacy Advocate for Your School (4-12, Spec, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Julie Hoffman, Jane Aumann

Accelerating Growth of English Language Learners (PreK-6, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Jill Henning, Karen Caldwell

A Phonics RtI Tier II and III Intervention Tool, Word Warm Ups (K-6) Presenter: James Cline

Using iPads or Tablets as Learning Centers (All, Tech) Presenters: Laura Kieran, Melinda Grimm

The Essentials of Essential Questions (K-12, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Allison Kapitanoff

Exploring Strategies to Support Students’ Argumentative Writing (K-9, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Karen Rigoni

Implementing a Reading Club (All) Presenter: Brandi Casey

The Reading, Writing and Science Connection (Univ) Presenter: Denise Reid

Re-Thinking Developing Reading (PreK-3, ELL, Spec) Presenter: Wallace Howard

3 to 6 Year Olds: Ready for Writing? Absolutely! (PreK-K, Spec) Presenter: Debra Honegger

Moving Beyond the K.W. L. (K-3, ELL) Presenter: Meghan Hernandez

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: An Integrated Unit Aligned with CCSS (4-6) Presenters: Charles Hyser, Jackie Kreiner, Chloe VanOpdorp, Kaitlyn Czerwonka, Gina Filippo, Lydia Wayne

Evidence-Based Argumentation: Building Students’ Conceptual Understandings Through A Design-Based Approach (6-12) Presenters: Rick Coppola, Julia Emig

Questioning Our Way Through CCSS (K-9, ELL) Presenters: Megan Healy, Jessica Groebe

Student Choice, Self-efficacy, and Motivation (6-12, Spec, Adults) Presenter: Tiffany Droege

Read Like a Historian: Recorded Think Alouds (6-12) Presenters: Chris Peters, Debra Spiegel, Ron Thomas, Owen Doak, Julie Dickinson

Harvesting Some “Dough” For Family and School Literacy (PreK-3) Presenters: Christina Basham, Cheryl Broderick

Accelerating Language and Vocabulary Development Through Fine Art (PreK-12, ELL, Spec, Admin) Presenter: Rebecca Carranza

Historical Fiction: The Juggernaut of Genres (4-9, Admin, Lib) Presenter: Ryan Schaefer

40 Powerful Discipline and Management Interventions that Work! (All) Presenter: Jim Grant



Raise Reading Scores with a Looping Program for K-2 Refugee and Immigrant Students (K-6, ELL, Admin) Presenters: Corey Henderson, Stephanee Jordan, Tammy Ruthey, Alma Henderson, Jennifer Guyton, Darci Keeling

10:30 – 11:30

Lit With Grit (All) Featured Speaker: Jay Asher

Reading in the Genre of Multicultural Realistic Fiction to Write an Informational Feature Article (6-9, ELL, Univ, Admin) Presenters: Kristina Utley, Elizabeth Fox, Demetra Stratakos

Using Fishbowls in the Classroom (6-12) Presenters: Cindy Gerber, Patty Tammen

Close Reading and Interactive Discussions: A Process for Approaching Difficult Texts (6-12, ELL, Spec) Presenters: Natalie Bourn, Mecca Sadler

Building a Community of Learners: One Promise at a Time (K-3, Spec) Presenters: Mary Beth Rolak-Sieracki, Ralph Athey

Evaluating Children’s Book Apps for Use in Educational Settings (K-9, Spec) Presenters: Melanie Koss, Donna Wakefield

Engaging Students In Collaboration Through Effectively Scaffolded Questioning (K-6) Presenters: Karen Petelle, Nicole Kastory

Freshen Up Your Centers (K-3) Presenters: Bailey Cavanah, Ashley Shinn

Latest Children’s Books: Language to Literacy, Grades K-3 (K-3) Presenter: Frances Steward

Navigating Disciplinary Literacies: Theory to Practice (9-12, Univ) Presenters: Daryl Long, Mickie O’Kerns, Susan J. Roach, Robert A. Williams

Evidence from Text: Finding, Evaluating, Citing, and Using (All) Presenters: Mary Gardner, Deb Endress

Adapting the Flipped Classroom (All) Presenter: Katie Rohn

Diverse Voices in Poetry (K-9, Lib) Presenter: Ngozi Onuora

Twisted Tales and Technology (K-9, ELL, Spec, Tech) Presenter: Bonnie Hoffman

Graphic Novels for Struggling Writers (6-12, Spec, Writing) Presenter: Christina Voss

Bringing Literacy Into A Homeless Shelter Through Children’s Multicultural Literature (All) Presenter: Sadia Warsi

11:45 – 1:30

Saturday LuncheonThe Art + Craft of Words and Pictures Featured Speaker: Andrea Davis Pinkney

Using Technology to Enhance English Language Arts Instruction (K-9, Spec) Presenters: Maggie Johanson, Pam Guio

Instructional Shifts for the Common Core (4-12) Presenter: Allison Kapitanoff

Make the Common Core CONNECT. Unlock Complex Text with Humor and Music (All) Presenter: Alan Sitomer

Literature and Laughter Yoga (4-9, ELL) Presenter: Patricia Braun

Leverage 1:1 Implementation to Personalize Reading Program and Track Student Reading Growth Presenter: Jeremy Majeski

Utilizing Best Practices in Literacy for Students with Disabilities (K-3, Spec) Presenters: Meri Havenar, Pam Drawve

Literacy Development Looks Different for ELLs, and Instruction Should Too (PreK-6, ELL) Presenter: Kristin Lems

Teaching Struggling Readers (K-6) Presenter: Carmen Yarbrough

Close Reading in an Intervention Setting (4-12) Presenter: Erika Bolte

The Fruits of Administering Reading Programs in a Data-Driven Environment (K-9, Univ, Admin) Presenters: Linda Flowers, Emily Lyles, Courtney Flowers

Monkeys and Carrots: Motivating the Struggling Reader (4-9) Presenter: Stephanie Klein

ELA Units Aligned to the CCSS (K-9, Admin) Presenter: Melissa Murphy

LitWorks A Teen Book Fest (6-12, Univ, Admin, Lib) Presenters: Penny Blubaugh, Jennette Gonzalez

Before You Harvest, You Need to Plant (K-6) Presenters: Roxanne Williams, Michelle Hellman

Digital Portfolios and Reflections on Learning (4-12, Spec) Presenter: Avra Robinson

Special Education and the Common Core – Yielding the Best Harvest (4-12, Spec, Admin) Presenters: Stephanie Tedford, Lisa Breese

For Pete’s Sake – It’s All Good For Lifelong Readers and Writers (PreK-3, ELL, Spec, Lib) Presenter: Marcia Thompson

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTCPDUs and COLLEGE CREDIT

at the IRC Conference

The Illinois Reading Council is an approved Illinois State Board of Education Continuing Professional Development Unit provider. While attending the October Conference, you may earn one CPDU per hour of attendance and participation. Sessions attended must be logged, and an ISBE evaluation form must be completed and deposited in the IRC evaluation box at the end of the conference. The Evaluation and Evidence of Completion Forms must also be completed for your records. Please review your personal Certification Renewal Plan to determine which sessions fit. Be sure that your goals are broad enough to include a variety of literacy topics. The Illinois Reading Council is merely the provider. The responsibility for determining which sessions agree with your plan and are granted credits by your school district is yours.

One semester hour of university credit will be available for attending the conference. For more information, download the College Credit Registration form available on the IRC Website.

http://illinoisreadingcouncil.ning.com/



JOIN THE CONVERSATION AND FIND SPEAKER HANDOUTS

Over 1,200 rooms have been reserved for the October 2014 IRC Conference. Because of the large number of rooms needed each year, IRC utilizes the assistance of the Housing Bureau at the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. Special room rates have been negotiated at the hotels listed below. To obtain these special rates, reservations must be made through the Online Housing Reservation System by September 10, 2014.

President Abraham Lincoln Hotel.........$109 701 East Adams St., Spfd., IL 62701 Located adjacent to the Convention Center

Hilton Springfield Hotel...................$121 700 East Adams St., Spfd., IL 62701 Across the street from the Convention Center

Meetings and meal functions are held at both the Abraham Lincoln and the Hilton Hotels.

ON-SITE HOTELS

Candlewood Suites..................................$70 2501 Sunrise Drive, Spfd., IL 62703

Carpenter Street Hotel...........................$79 525 North 6th Street, Spfd., IL 62702

Country Inn & Suites.............................$95 3092 Stevenson Drive, Spfd., IL 62703

Drury Inn & Suites.................................$109 3180 S. Dirksen Parkway, Spfd., IL 62703

Hampton Inn East...................................$109 3185 S. Dirksen Parkway, Spfd., IL 62703

Hilton Garden Inn..................................$119 3100 S. Dirksen Parkway, Spfd. IL 62703

Holiday Inn Express.........................$112 3050 S. Dirksen Parkway, Spfd. IL 62703

Microtel Inn & Suites.......................$89 2636 Sunrise Drive, Spfd. IL 62703

Northfield Inn....................................$87 3280 Northfield Dr., Spfd., IL 62702

Ramada Springfield North..............$92 3281 Northfield Dr., Spfd., IL 62702

Residence Inn...................................$150 2915 Stanford Ave., Spfd. IL 62703

State House Inn................................$93 101 E. Adams Street., Spfd. IL 62701

OTHER HOTELS

Illinois Reading Council

ONLINE HOUSING RESERVATION SYSTEMConference Dates – Thursday, October 2; Friday, October 3; and Saturday, October 4, 2014

• Housing Reservations will only be processed online with a credit card until September 10, 2014. After Sepember 10th, all rooms that have not been reserved will be released for general sale.

• Advance Deposit of one night’s room and tax will be charged to your credit card by some of the hotels. If you would like to pay by check, please forward your deposit check to your assigned hotel and your credit card will be credited. Do not send any checks to the Illinois Reading Council or the Springfield Housing Bureau.

• Confirmation will be emailed to you from the Housing Bureau upon completion of your housing reservation, as well as any changes or cancellations. Please keep this email for your records and watch for 2nd email from hotel after September 10th.

• Cancellations or changes to your arrival/departure must be made before September 10, 2014 to receive a full refund. The advance deposit charge is non-refundable after September 10, 2014. Please note that some hotels charge for early departure and some require a two-night minimum stay. After September 10th, please make changes directly with the hotel.

• Double Rooms (2 beds) are at a premium. Please do not reserve a double room (2 beds) unless there are 2 or more attendees.• Free Shuttle Service will be provided by the IRC between all the hotels except the on-site hotels listed and the Prairie Capital

Convention Center on Thursday and Friday. Shuttles run approximately every 45-60 minutes from 6:15 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Night shuttles run every 90 minutes from 6:15 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. On Saturday, there are many parking options available and on-street metered parking is FREE.

Go to www.illinoisreadingcouncil.orgSelect Conference on the menu,

then click on Reserve Housing Online.

Check (payable to IRC)

METHOD OF PAYMENT(Sorry, NO Purchase Orders accepted)

Return this form with payment to:Illinois Reading Council

203 Landmark Drive, Suite BNormal, IL 61761

Or fax to: (309) 454-3512Or register online at

www.illinoisreadingcouncil.org

Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)

Special Accommodations – Individuals who need special accommodations must make specific requests in writing to the IRC office at least three weeks prior to the conference.Cancellation/Refund Policy – Requests must be made in writing by September 15, 2014. Please see the complete policy under General Conference Information or at the IRC Website. Unless notified in writing, this registration constitutes an agreement that the registrant’simage, likeness, and appearancecan be used in photographs of such events and activities.

2014 IRC ConferenceRegistration Form

October 2-4, 2014 Springfield,Illinois

ONE NAME ON EACH FORM Please print or type. Form may be reproduced.

Name (Last)________________________________________ (First)____________________________________________________

School/Business_____________________________________ City_____________________________________________________

Home Address_______________________________________ City____________________ State____________ Zip____________

Telephone ( ) ____________________________ Email (Confirmations sent by email)_________________________________________

Position/Grade Level? ________________ Presenting at Conference? ___Yes ___ No Are you an IRA member? ___Yes ___ No

REGISTRATION includes sessions on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (check one). On or Before August 15, 2014 After August 15, 2014Registration for IRC Member: ____Current IRC Member (Membership Number: ________________________) . . . . . . . . $165 $190____Retiree (Member) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 $50 ____Preservice Teacher with ID (Member) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 $50 Combined Registration ($160) & Membership ($45)–Savings of $5 ____Select Council from Membership Form (Council Name: ____________________) . . . $205 $230Registration for Non-Member ____Non-Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $240 $265____Retiree (Non-Member) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 $75 ____Preservice Teacher with ID (Non-Member) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 $75

MEALS Meals are optional. Check choice of menu. Include payment with registration.____Thursday Breakfast (A. Lincoln) . . . Pam Allyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 $25 _____Scrambled Eggs & Bacon _____Vegetarian____Thursday Luncheon (A. Lincoln) . . . P. David Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 $30 _____Lemon & Herb Chicken Scallopini _____Vegetarian ____Thursday Luncheon (Hilton) . . . Daniel Handler (A.K.A. Lemony Snicket) . . . . . . . $25 $30 _____Home Style Chicken without the Pot _____Vegetarian ____Thursday Prairie State Award Banquet (A. Lincoln) . . . Rafe Esquith . . . . . . . . . . . $33 $38 _____Herb & Boursin Stuffed Chicken _____Vegetarian____Friday Breakfast (Hilton) . . . Lucy Calkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 $25 _____Cinnamon French Toast _____Vegetarian ____Friday Luncheon (A. Lincoln) . . . Steven L. Layne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 $30 _____Traditonal Lasagna _____Vegetarian ____Friday Luncheon (Hilton) . . . Linda Dorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 $30 _____Grilled Chicken Bruschetta _____Vegetarian ____Friday Night Pizza Party for Preservice Teachers Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FREE FREE

____Friday Banquet (Hilton) . . . Steven Kellogg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . $33 $38 _____Chicken Saltimbocca _____Vegetarian____Friday Night Event (Lincoln) . . . Poetry Coffeehouse with Holbrook & Salinger . . . FREE FREE

____Saturday Breakfast (A. Lincoln) . . . Jay Asher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 $25 _____Scrambled Eggs & Sausage _____Vegetarian____Saturday Author Luncheon (Hilton) . . . Andrea Davis Pinkney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27 $32 _____Roast Turkey Breast _____Vegetarian

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $_____________ $_____________

Credit Card Expiration DateSignature ________________________________________

Mo. Yr.

Name________________________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________________

City_________________________________ State______________ Zip______________________

Home Phone __________________________ Work Phone __________________________________

Email_______________________________________________________________________________

Local Council_________________________________________________________________________

1. While at the 2014 IRC Conference, I can volunteer to help for: __________ 1 hour, schedule me as needed. (Circle one or all: Thursday, Friday, Saturday) __________ 2 hours, schedule me as needed. (Circle one or all: Thursday, Friday, Saturday) __________ 3 hours, schedule me as needed. (Circle one or all: Thursday, Friday, Saturday) __________ Thursday morning block (1/2 day) __________ Thursday afternoon block (1/2 day) __________ Friday morning block (1/2 day) __________ Friday afternoon block (1/2 day) __________ Saturday morning block (1/2 day) __________ Anytime, as needed.

2. I would prefer to help in one or more of the following areas: __________ Collect tickets at a meal function __________ Work at the registration booth __________ Help with book sales/autographing sessions __________ Help with the audio-visual equipment __________ Help with the special events and receptions __________ Help with the exhibits __________ Assist with Shuttle Busses __________ Assist with collecting evaluations __________ Assist with putting up or changing room signs __________ Serve as a host for featured speakers __________ Help with the IRC Membership Booth/Treasure Chest __________ No preference, I will help as assigned.

Your Help Is Needed - Please Volunteer!

Please send by August 15, 2014 to: Illinois Reading Council 203 Landmark Drive, Suite B Normal, IL 61761-1836

Or, fill out the online form on the Conference Page at www.illinoisreadingcouncil.org.

GET INVOLVED! BE A 2014 CONFERENCE VOLUNTEER

I would like to volunteer to work at the IRC Conference.

Age a. ___ 18-24 b. ___ 25-39 c. ___ 40-54 d. ___ 55 and over

1._________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2._________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3._________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4._________________________________________________________________________________________________________

List the council(s) you wish to join. When you join, you receive membership in the IRC, as well as membership in a local or special interest council. You must select at least one of the councils listed on the back.

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Are you a member of the International Reading Association (IRA)? a. ___ yes membership # _______________ expiration date ________________ b. ___ no

Years in Education Profession a. ___ 0-4 b. ___ 5-14 c. ___ 15-29 d. ___ 30 and over

Highest Degree Earned a. ___ Bachelors b. ___ Masters c. ___ Doctorate

MEMBERSHIP FORM203 Landmark Drive, Suite B, Normal, IL 61761Phone: 888-454-1341 E-mail: [email protected]

In our continuing effort to provide meaningful services to our members, IRC requests the following information.

Last Name _______________________________________ First Name _______________________________ Middle Initial ____________

Address _________________________________________________________ E-mail ____________________________________________

City __________________________________________ State ____________ Zip _____________________ County _________________

Home Phone ( ) ________________________________________ Bus. Phone ( ) ________________________________________

School Name ___________________________________ District ______________________________ City _________________________ or Business/Institution _____________________________________________________________________ City _________________________

Are you a Preservice Teacher? _____ yes _____ no College/University ______________________________________________________

Please print or complete the form online.1

List the dues amount of each council you are joining.$45 - One year membership$25 - Preservice Teacher membership

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6

Total Before Discount ____________________Discount for multiple memberships. If you join more than one local or special interest council at this time, each additional council is $15. Preservice teachers pay $5 for each additional council.

4 Discount ____________________

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ____________________

5

Fax: 309-454-3512 Web: www.illinoisreadingcouncil.org

Join Online or Fax: 309-454-3512

Paying by credit card?

Check (payable to IRC) Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)

Signature _______________________________Credit Card Expiration Date:

Mo Yr.

Method of Payment: (Sorry, no P.O.’s accepted.)

Classroom Teacher: a. ___ preschool b. ___ K-3 c. ___ 4-6 d. ___ middle school/jr. high e. ___ high school f. ___ post Secondary

Administrator: a. ___ curriculum/reading supervisor b. ___ building principal c. ___ superintendent d. ___ other_________________ _____________________

Other: a. ___ librarian b. ___ parent c. ___ special ed. teacher d. ___ gifted/talented teacher e. ___ Title I /remedial f. ___ reading specialist g. ___ retired

Present Position

Professional Areas of Interest (Check 3) a. ___ administration b. ___ adult literacy c. ___ affective reading d. ___ assessment e. ___ children’s literature f. ___ comprehension g. ___ content area reading h. ___ family literacy i. ___ holistic reading j. ___ multilingual/multicultural k. ___ newspapers in education l. ___ parents and reading m. ___ reading for gifted students n. ___ research o. ___ study skills p. ___ teacher education q ___ technology in reading r. ___ Title I/remedial reading s. ___ young adult literature t. ___ young authors/writing

Return this form with payment to:

Illinois Reading CouncilATTN: Membership Dept.

203 Landmark Drive, Suite BNormal, IL 61761

Illinois Reading Council MembershipLocations of IRC Local & Special Interest Council Regions by Counties

The annual membership of $45 includes membership in the Illinois Reading Council and a local or special interest council. The annual preservice teacher membership is $25 for one who has not been certified in the teaching profession and is working toward an initial teaching certificate. Please select the council(s) you wish to join from the list below. Residence in any of the designated council counties you join is not required. If you join more than one local or special interest council at this time, each additional council is $15. Preservice teachers pay $5 for each additional council. Follow the steps on the front of this form.

7-13

REGION 1

___ Northern Illinois Reading Council - (Boone, DeKalb, Winnebago, Eastern Lee & Ogle)

___ Northwestern Illinois Reading Council - (Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll)

___ Sauk Valley Reading Council - (Eastern Whiteside & Henry, Western Lee, Ogle, & Bureau)

___ Starved Rock Reading Council - (LaSalle, Grundy, Kendall, Livingston, Eastern Bureau)

REGION 2

___ Chicago Area Reading Association (CARA) - (Chicago Area - Cook County within the Chicago city limits)

___ Lake Area Reading Council - (Western Lake, McHenry, Northwestern Cook)

___ Suburban Council of IRA (SCIRA) - (Eastern Lake, Northern Cook)

REGION 3

___ Fox Valley Reading Council - (Kane)

___ Prairie Area Reading Council - (Western DuPage County)

___ West Suburban Reading Council - (DuPage County and those parts of Cook County west of Rt. 43 excluding all areas within the Chicago city limits)

REGION 7

___ East Central-EIU Reading Council - (Moultrie, Shelby, Cumberland, Coles, Clark, Edgar, Douglas)

___ Illini Reading Council - (Champaign, Piatt, Southern Ford)

___ Vermilion Valley Reading Council - (Vermilion)

REGION 8

___ Lewis and Clark Reading Council - (Macoupin, Jersey, Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Washington, Clinton)

___ National Road Reading Council - (Bond, Effingham, Fayette)

REGION 9

___ South Eastern Reading Council - (Lawrence, Richland, Clay, Crawford, Jasper, Edwards, Wabash)

___ Southern Illinois Reading Council - (Jefferson, Randolph, Perry, Franklin, Williamson, Saline, Gallatin, Union, Johnson, Pope, Alexander, Hardin, Pulaski, Massac, Jackson)

REGION 10

___ CIRP - (College Instructors of Reading Professionals)

___ ICARE - (Illinois Council for Affective Reading Education)

___ ILLC - (Illinois Language and Literacy Council )

___ ITA - (Illinois Title I Association)

___ SRL - (Secondary Reading League)

REGION 4

___ Black Hawk Reading Council - (Rock Island, Mercer, Western Henry & Whiteside)

___ Illinois Valley Reading Council - (Stark, Putnam, Marshall, Peoria, Woodford, Tazewell, Eastern Fulton, Mason)

___ Mississippi Valley Reading Council - (Adams, Brown, Pike, Scott, Greene, Calhoun)

___ Western Illinois Reading Council - (Henderson, Warren, Knox, McDonough, Hancock, Schuyler, Western Fulton)

REGION 5

___ South Suburban Reading Council - (Those parts of Cook Co. bounded on west by Will-Cook Rd., north by 115th St., and/or Chicago City limits)

___ Two Rivers Reading Council - (Kankakee, Iroquois, Northern Ford)

___ Will County Reading Council - (Will)

REGION 6

___ Central Illinois Reading Council - (Logan, Menard, Cass, Morgan, Sangamon, Christian, Montgomery) ___ Macon County Reading Council - (Macon)

___ MID-State Reading Council - (McLean, DeWitt)

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PUBLIC PARKING GARAGES & LOTS1. 4th & Monroe 2. 4th & Washington3. 6th & Capitol4. 6th & Madison (Presidential Museum)5. 7th & Capitol (under public library) 6. 7th & Monroe (Near Hilton Springfield Hotel) 7. 7th & Washington (Near PCCC and President Abraham Lincoln Hotel)

SITES & HOTELS1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum 2. Hilton Springfield 3. Prairie Capital Convention Center4. President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel5. Vachel Lindsay Home

TRANSPORTATION1. Amtrak

109 North Seventh StreetSpringfield, IL 62701800-545-7300 • 217-789-2360www.visit-springfieldillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD ILLINOISCONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

PROVIDED BY THE

Springfield Overviewillinois reading council HOTELS1. Candlewood Suites2. Carpenter Street Hotel3. Country Inn & Suites by Carlson4. Drury Inn & Suites5. Hampton Inn6. Hilton Garden Inn7. Hilton Springfield Hotel8. Holiday Inn Express9. Microtel Inn & Suites10. Northfield Inn & Suites 11. President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel12. Ramada Ltd. North13. Residence Inn14. The State House Inn - an Ascend Hotel Collection Member

TRANSPORTATION1. Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport

2014prelimprogram

Documents

handbook of reading

national reading conference

groundbreaking research

current research

study of reading

literacy research association

issues of reading instruction

regarded research scholar