RM Winter 2017

Letter from the Editors

Sarah Hunt-Barron & Jacquelynn Malloy

Dear Readers,

Reading Matters Make it Matter

It is with pleasure that we bring you this 16th edition of Reading Matters . In this presidential election year in which we cast our vote as citizens to set the direction of our nation, it seems only fitting that our theme for this issue is Literacy for a Just World. Throughout this election cycle, we have heard rhetoric related to equity and justice from all candidates; debates have been focused on how to achieve economic and social well-being for all Americans. This issue examines both obstacles to equity in our educational system and approaches to overcoming these obstacles as agents of change toward a more equitable and just society. In RM, you’ll find articles focused on social justice issues, with calls for equity pedagogies in our classrooms (Farley & Ross) and authentic learning based on students’ funds of knowledge (Roberts). We’ll see teachers reaching across the digital divide to empower students to tell their stories (Hughes & Evering) and help students make cogent digital arguments (Howell). If adolescent media practices have you scratching your head, Laurie Sharp’s article on media multitasking adolescents may be for you. Learn how even our youngest readers can develop research skills that will serve them for a lifetime thanks to the wonders of Google (Salley, Ross, & Hubbard). service teachers (Helf, Barger, Brandon, Nash, &White) and gain insights into tutoring relationships among pre- service teachers and striving readers (Pletcher &Warren). Explore the use of graphics in persuasive texts to scaffold younger readers comprehension (Martin & Myers) and learn how one teacher educator revamped her own literacy instruction to provide authentic literacy experiences for her pre-service teachers and graduate students (Jocius). Books are the focus of Tricia Huff’s insightful evaluation of read- alouds in classrooms and Lee Johnson and Elizabeth Brinkerhoff offer not only literature suggestions for teaching mathematics in our classrooms, but also solid strategies that work with the texts suggested. As always, Jonda McNair and her students offer reviews of the latest and greatest in children’s literature, including many multicultural texts that are sure to enhance your classroom library. In other Research Matters articles, we follow a successful pen pal project between elementary students and pre-

Sarah Hunt-Barron

Jacquelynn Malloy

We also hope that you will be inspired to consider the issues of social justice and equity that are occurring in your schools, colleges, and universities and to confront, investigate, and practice ways that literacy educators can be agents of change in our state and beyond. As teachers, we are in a unique position to shape the future of our nation each day. We have the ability to teach our students how to engage in civil discourse, respect the views of others, and conduct research in search of the truth. These skills are critical to the survival of our nation, as democracy relies on an educated citizenry to select our leaders. Alongside authors residing in South Carolina, this issue includes voices from authors in Texas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Virginia. The authors include classroom teachers, teacher educators, literacy researchers, and graduate students. It is exciting to see our journal continue to extend its reach to include more voices, hoping that soon you too will be inspired to add yours. We are proud to serve you, the teachers and teacher educators who stand between our students and an excellent education for all. Please join in the conversation that starts with the publication of these articles. We look forward to hearing your voices in our next issue of Reading Matters .

Be inspired and inspiring, Sarah and Jackie

Reading Matters | Volume 16 • Winter 2016 | scira.org | VII |

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