Ontario Institute
for Studies in Education
of the University of Toronto

Literacy Policies for the Schools We Need

The International Literacy Conference
Toronto, Canada  November 6 – 8, 2003

Issues addressed on this website are of interest to literacy educators, researchers, government policy-makers, advocates, and concerned citizens.

Literacy Instruction

Join an online discussion of literacy instruction.

Orienting question: Now that we have all agreed that a balanced approach to literacy instruction is best, what have we agreed to?

Keynote Paper
Balanced Elementary Literacy Instruction in the United States: A Personal Perspective (in .pdf format)
    by Michael Pressley, Michigan State University.
Abstract: I reflect on my experiences with the idea of balanced literacy curricula, research on effective elementary school teachers, recent policy initiatives in the U.S., and state curriculum standards. Engaging and effective elementary teachers tend to: balance skills instruction and holistic literacy experiences; connect reading, writing, and content learning; teach enthusiastically and a lot; scaffold their students; motivate their students; and have a classroom management plan. These are goals that every elementary teacher should commit to.

View a video of Michael Pressley's presentation. (Real Player required, available at www.real.com)

OISE/UT * 252 Bloor Street West * Toronto * Ontario * Canada