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Reading Recovery celebrates 20th graduation

By Lauren Huffman

(May 11, 2010) On Wednesday, May 12, the Reading Recovery program at Illinois State University held its 20th graduation, and nine first grade teachers were honored for their commitment to literacy education. The ceremony celebrated the journey of literacy learning that is just beginning.

The ceremony started with a video, a tribute to the 20 years of Reading Recovery at Illinois State University, celebrating how it began and how it has successfully educated teachers to better educate their students in reading.

Dean Deborah Curtis, College of Education, spoke about the Reading Recovery model, and how it addresses the fundamental need of developing strong reading skills early in a child's education. This program opens the portal to reading. Curtis acknowledges that Reading Recovery "puts the College in the forefront because of this noble work."

Richard Allington, who provided a keynote speech earlier that day, contended that "Reading Recovery may be expensive, but what is really expensive is illiteracy. The earlier we start, the less time it takes to produce students skilled in reading."

Thirty years ago, Marie Clay, who founded Reading Recovery, wrote about how students are learning to be learning disabled. She declared the necessity of Reading Recovery in schools is due to the fact that far too many teachers are not teaching high-needs students. Teachers must rise to the occasion and give students high quality instruction for 30 minutes a day on books at their reading level.

Allington further supported the program with evidence from What Works Clearinghouse, proving that out of 153 programs, Reading Recovery is the only one with strong evidence of improved achievement in reading.

Following Allington's speech, a series of awards were presented to those who have had a profound impact on Reading Recovery and who have been instrumental in the program's success.

Founders Award

Kay Moss was presented with the Founders Award by former College of Education Dean John Godbold. Moss persuaded the College of Education to adopt the Reading Recovery program, and it was because of her sharp mind that the program has flourished to what it is today. Moss accepted the award for her leadership role, and said of people in leadership positions that she expects them to "listen, read and analyze data, be smart, and make brave decisions." Moss has certainly done the same.

Outstanding Supporters Award

Dean Curtis presented Gary Niehaus, superintendent of McLean County Unit 5 Schools, with the outstanding supporters award for the work he has done in partnership of Unit 5 and Illinois State. She remarked that the partnership was the dawn of a new opportunity for Illinois State. Niehaus stated that, "Reading Recovery is one of the best models of literacy." He added that, "we won't be successful until we get the kids to where they need to be."

Anne Roffol Excellence in Reading Recovery Teaching Award

The Anne Roffol Excellence in Reading Recovery Teaching Award was inspired by Anne Roffol. Anne loved teaching until she sadly passed away in 2002. Her award honored Shelley May of Northview Elementary, Peru Public Schools. Shelley has a history for advocating for students and is always researching what is best for young readers. Shelley accepted the award and proclaimed that she is fortunate to be in a district that accepts the Reading Recovery program.

Remarks from the Class

Ericka Helgason, Pepper Ridge Elementary School, McLean County Unit 5, spoke on behalf of her graduating class. Helgason started the Reading Recovery program during her first year of teaching, and commuted an hour just to participate in the program. Helgason supports the program and founder Marie Clay’s philosophy. "Marie Clay once said that, 'hard-to-teach children follow an unpredictable path of progress.' Reading Recovery allows us to follow that path," said Helgason.

Susan Almeida, teacher leader of Reading Recovery at Illinois State, thanked Dean Curtis for her support of the Reading Recovery program throughout the years and the 20 year anniversary celebration. So far Almeida has successfully trained over 200 Reading Recovery teachers. This year's class was unique because it was the first year that Almeida trained Unit 5 teachers. Almeida remarked on their passion for the program, and their up-for-anything attitude. "This class was so game." She congratulated the nine graduates as "full-fledged Reading Recovery teachers."

The graduates included:

Sarah Arundale, Unit 5 School District
Tracey Boyer, Unit 5 School District
Melissa Ewing, Mattoon School District
Glenda Fitzgerald, Mattoon School District
Taryn Flake, Clinton School District
Ericka Helgason, Unit 5 School District
Renae Huff, Unit 5 School District
Mary Roberts, Saratoga School District
Barbara Skaggs, Unit 5 School District

Photos from the celebration

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