Literacy Education Workshop

Editor's Note: More than 100 teachers, grades 1-8, will be on USM's Gorham campus this Friday to share ideas on how teachers can improve literacy instruction for struggling readers.

The session was organized by USM Professor of Education Michael O'Donnell, who believes that many teachers are increasingly frustrated by the inability of students to read and write. The conference will be led by classroom teachers who have an established track record of motivating and providing for students who have experienced literacy problems.

O'Donnell has long advocated a greater emphasis on literacy training for teachers. He also champions a more integrated approach for teaching literacy skills so that reading and writing are incorporated into all classes and children are given more time to read.

Details of the session follow.

TIME: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., this Friday, January 12.

PLACE: Bailey Hall on USM's Gorham campus. Headquarters for the session is Room 218B.

SPONSOR: USM's Department of Literacy Education.

CONTACT: Professor Michael O'Donnell, 780-5069, e-mail modonnel@usm.maine.edu. For help arranging coverage, you also can contact Bob Caswell or Susan Swain of USM Media Relations at 780-4200.