Reading expert to give presentation to teachers and budding teachers

Dr. Timothy Rasinski, a world-renowned expert in reading competencies and struggling readers, will give a local presentation for teachers, teacher candidates, and other education professionals addressing the reading competencies that are critical for success in reading.

The presentation by Dr. Rasinski, who is a professor of literacy at Kent State University, will begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20, in the Large Conference Room at the LoGuidice BOCES Center at 9520 Fredonia-Stockton Road, Fredonia.

Rasinski will make the case that reading competencies are critical for success in reading and that most students who struggle in reading are not proficient in phonics, vocabulary, or fluency. He will then present innovative approaches for teaching these key reading skills in ways that are authentic, engaging, and proven effective. The focus will be on use of these approaches in content areas, with particular attention on science, mathematics, social studies and English language arts.

Rasinski has authored over 250 articles as well as books and curriculum programs on reading education. He served on the Board of Directors of the International Reading Association and co-authored The Reading Teacher, the most widely read literacy education journal. Additionally, Dr. Rasinski is a member of the International Reading Hall of Fame.

Dr. Holly Lawson of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Professor Emeritus Barbara Mallette, formerly of the College of Education collaborated to bring Rasinski to the area. Scholastic, the Chautauqua County Reading Council (CCRC), Erie2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, The Phyllis W. and Lawrence A. Patrie Endowment for the Sciences of the Fredonia College Foundation and the State University of New York at Fredonia are sponsoring this event.

Registration is required for the event. Admission for students and CCRC members is $7; admission for all others is $15.The Phyllis W. and Lawrence A. Patrie Endowment for the Sciences and a private donor will cover registration for 40 teacher candidates.

Interested students as well as other individuals should contact Dr. Mallette at Barbara.Mallette@fredonia.edu) or Dr. Lawson at Holly.Lawson@fredonia.edu.