Also spotlighted was the induction of newly graduated Masters level students into the Literacy Guild. Inducted were: Audrea Baker, Star Martin, Brittany Briggs, Jan Smith, and Teri Spillman. Each honoree was awarded a Literacy Guild pin, a framed certificate, and a professional book with teacher study group ideas.

Held at the ASU’s Student Union, over 70 students and education colleagues gathered together to participate in scholarly sessions, to hear about program developments in the graduate reading programs, and to participate in a session with a nationally renowned expert on writing. This marked the third year in a row that ASU has provided a forum to honor and spotlight the literacy leadership and research of past and present graduate reading students, and the event has grown in scope each time. Professional development for area teachers was provided through the Arkansas Delta Writing Project.

Presentation by graduate students in two time slots of breakout sessions included: advanced reading comprehension, preparation for National Board certification, Common Core State Standards, literacy coaching, New Literacies and Ed.S. thesis research projects.

The recent Educational Specialist degree in reading has a strong cohort nearing graduation. Dr. Thilla Sivakumaran, Dean of the College of Education, discussed the next steps in building upon the work of the graduate reading programs. “We will open a literacy center downstairs in the Education building this summer and hope to unveil a PhD in Literacy Studies in 2014.”

The Conference also included the presentation of a Literacy Excellence plaque to Dr. Deborah Owens with for her six years of service to the reading programs at ASU. Graduate Reading faculty are Dr. Deb Owens, Dr. Dixie Keyes, Dr. Lina Leatherwood-Owens, Dr. Ryan Kelly, Dr. Patricia Murphy and Mrs. LaToshia Woods.

New Guild inductees (from left): Jan Smith, Teri Spillman, Star Martin, Brittany Prislovsky Briggs, and Audrea Baker

Ed.S. candidate Donna Dillahunty shares her session on Advanced Studies in Comprehension

Current and new Guild members honor Dr. Deb Owens (from left): Teri Spillman, Carmen White, Olivia Stone, Margie McCollum, Dr. Deb Owens, Sarah Bohrman, Jennifer Pepper, and Straley Owen