Best Practices of Literacy Leaders, Third Edition

Allison Swan Dagen, PhD, is the Chester E. and Helen B. Derrick Teacher Education Endowed Professor in the College of Applied Human Sciences at West Virginia University, where she teaches graduate courses on specialized literacy professionals’ roles and literacy leadership. Dr. Swan Dagen began her teaching career as a middle school reading teacher and intermediate grade Title I math specialist. Her research interests include effective professional learning and leadership for literacy educators, the preparation of specialized literacy professionals, and online teaching. Dr. Swan Dagen serves on the Standards Committee of the International Literacy Association (ILA) and was a lead writer for the ILA's Standards 2017.Jacy Ippolito, EdD, is Professor in the McKeown School of Education at Salem State University in Massachusetts, where he teaches courses in literacy and leadership, codirects the graduate programs in Educational Leadership, and codirects the Center for Educational Leadership. Prior to joining Salem State, Dr. Ippolito was a middle school reading specialist, drama teacher, and literacy coach. His research, publications, teaching, and consulting focus on the intersection of coaching, leadership, adolescent/disciplinary literacy, and school reform.Rita M. Bean, PhD, is Professor Emerita in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Before her work at the University of Pittsburgh, she was an elementary teacher and a reading specialist (K–12). Her research and publications focus on the roles of the reading specialist and the literacy coach, professional learning for teachers, and the evaluation of large-scale efforts to improve literacy instruction in elementary school. Dr. Bean has served on the board of the International Literacy Association (ILA) and as cochair of the ILA Standards Committee. She is a member of the Reading Hall of Fame.

“Best Practices of Literacy Leaders has been my go-to text for my Leadership and Literacy course since the first edition was published. It has supported the preparation of my students to collaborate with administrators, teachers, and families to elevate literacy instruction in their schools. I am excited to see the addition of new chapters in the third edition, particularly the chapter on writing instruction. The guiding questions, vignettes, and engagement activities anchor the learning in authentic, real-world contexts.--Bethanie Pletcher, EdD, Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning Sciences, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi“This book thoroughly addresses research-supported practices for literacy leaders, within all types of school environments and for all learners. The vignettes, engagement activities, and 'Think About This' guiding queries foster in-depth discussions and empower literacy leaders to reflect on their own practices. This impactful book should be required reading for all literacy leaders in their various capacities to enhance their professional growth. When this transformative content is implemented with fidelity and consistency, students may improve their academic achievement.â€--J. Helen Perkins, EdD, Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership (Emeritus), University of Memphis; past president, International Literacy Association“This thoroughly updated third edition arrives at a critical moment, as schools are navigating the science-of-reading movement and the ever-present need to serve students from all backgrounds. The Framework for Effective Literacy Leadership offers a unifying structure that grounds both research and practice. I recommend this text for graduate courses on literacy leadership, reading specialist preparation, and instructional coaching, where students will benefit from its accessible blend of theory, evidence-based practice, and vivid, real-school case studies. The attention to distributed leadership across roles (coaches, specialists, teacher leaders, and principals) makes this book indispensable for practitioners and scholars alike.â€--Misty Sailors, PhD, College of Education (Emeritus), The University of Texas at San Antonio; Research Director of Literacy, WestEd“A much-needed resource for the field. This volume demonstrates that literacy leadership spans beyond the curriculum; it also encompasses the organizational change mechanisms that enhance or inhibit literacy teaching and learning across schools and districts. The book offers educators practical, research-based approaches to literacy leadership, alongside cases from real schools. The section on varying the work by context is especially important for meaningfully addressing the needs of diverse student populations. The third edition of this work is essential reading for school and district leaders serious about making positive change in literacy learning.â€--Danielle V. Dennis, PhD, Dean and Professor, College of Education, University of Rhode Island-