IRA Seeks Help in Improving Teaching of Reading

The International Reading Association (IRA) is seeking teachers' expertise and comments to help develop a review process that will evaluate how well teacher education institutions are preparing classroom teachers to teach reading at the elementary and secondary level.

According to the IRA, its "Certificate of Distinction is designed to support all teacher education programs that are working to improve the quality of the preparation offered in reading instruction. IRA envisions a process of program evaluation and reflection that will lead to informed change."

A special task force has drafted standards and an application process. IRA is now seeking comments on the draft documents. More information about the effort and about how to participate is available online at the IRA Web site here.