(September 8, 2006) Literacy leaders from across the State of Illinois came together on International Literacy Day at Illinois State University to participate in the inaugural Policy Forum on Literacy Teaching and Learning sponsored by the Center for Reading and Literacy.

After welcoming remarks from Provost John W. Presley and Dean Deborah Curtis of the College of Education, the participants heard from State Representative Dan Brady of the 4th district. Participants at the forum included representatives from Governor Blagojevich’s office, the Secretary of State’s Literacy office, universities, community colleges, school systems, adult literacy programs, independent literacy consultants, The Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois State Library, The Illinois Reading Council, The Illinois Community College Board, and the DeWitt-Livingston-McLean Regional Office of Education. There were spirited discussions about the legislative process, policy implementation and the effect of both on reading initiatives and lifespan literacy programs in Illinois.

Participants developed an action agenda which include future meetings, the issuance of policy briefs, partnering with state and national legislative leaders, and extending ongoing networking opportunities.

A featured article by Jeffrey Miner, senior English education major at Illinois State, entitled, “International Literacy Day: An Actionable Agenda for the Reading and Literacy Center at Illinois State University (pdf)” explains the event in detail.

For further information, please e-mail the Center for Reading and Literacy.