Message from the Dean

At the University of Iowa College of Education, educational researchers are tackling literacy issues that extend from early childhood into adulthood.

These faculty members, who work in different departments and use different conceptual and methodological frameworks, are examining the connections between literacy and media, including new media (Twitter and Web 2.0) and old media (television); literacy and school readiness; the assessment of reading and writing; and the use of multicultural literature in classrooms. In addition, professors Brian Hand and Bill Therrien’s research on the “Science Writing Heuristic,” funded by IES, is a good example of a project on literacy in a secondary school subject area.

Nothing could be more important than learning to read and write in school. These skills are the hallmarks of an educated person, gateways to post-secondary education, and prerequisites for occupational success.

At the University of Iowa, we are committed to advancing research and practice on literacy across the lifespan. I hope you enjoy the stories of past and present contributions along these lines that are featured in this issue of Education@Iowa.

Margaret S. Crocco
Professor and Dean