"Read-In: A celebration of books by black authors" (Winston-Salem Journal, 02/10/09)

The African-American Read-In, now in its 20th year, encourages making literacy a significant part of Black History Month. Individuals and organizations are urged to play host to read-ins in their communities. More than a million readers of all ethnic groups have participated, according to the National Council of Teachers of English.

"African-American Read-In at Lane College highlights value of literacy" (Jackson Sun, 02/10/09)

Without literacy there is no freedom.

That belief is at the core of the 20th National African-American Read-In held at Lane College Monday, according to Tony Rafalowski, assistant professor of English and director of the writing program at Lane.

"Phonics is Not Enough to Improve Reading Skills of Young Readers" (AScribe, 02/09/09)

Reading programs focused on changing daily teaching practices do more to improve children's reading skills than programs focused on textbooks and technology, according to a comprehensive research review by the Johns Hopkins University School of Education's Center for Research and Reform in Education. Simply using books with a stronger emphasis on phonics was not enough to improve reading.

"Scholastic Accused of Misusing Book Clubs" (NYTimes, 02/09/09)

Scholastic Inc., the children’s publisher of favorites like the Harry Potter, Goosebumps and Clifford series, may be best known for its books, but a consumer watchdog group accuses the company of using its classroom book clubs to push video games, jewelry kits and toy cars.

"Looking at the world through blue-colored glasses" (EastBayRI, 02/09/09)

Reading used to be so difficult for Emily Warburton that headaches sent her to the school nurse's office on a daily basis. After being diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome, she now wears filtered glasses to keep the letters from dancing around on the page.

"Students, parents crowd school for reading night" (Maui News, 02/09/09)

Kihei Elementary students and parents are packing in by the hundreds to launch the first Read Aloud America program on Maui. Includes tips for families.

"School improves literacy through brain fitness" (Salt Lake Tribune, 02/07/09)

Scientists now widely believe the brain is "plastic," not rigidly wired, and can rewire itself given the right training. Applying that idea, FastForWord doesn't aim to teach students to read, but to improve their capacity to read. The games are like mental aerobics, "retraining" kids' brains for learning and literacy.

"Reading Coaches Cut From Budgets" (Lakeland, FL Ledger, 02/08/09)

At the height of the state's push to improve reading, more than 2,500 reading coaches worked in Florida schools.

But just when students started reading better - 60 percent read at grade level in 2008 compared with 50 percent in 2004 - budget cuts may slash the number of reading coaches by more than half, leaving many schools without one.

"Program instills love of reading in students" (Gazette.net, 02/05/09)

Motivated by a new initiative at the Bowie school that encourages and rewards independent time spent reading, 10-year-old Dajayla said she likes discussing the books with friends and regularly spends free time at home reading.

"A Daughter's Struggle With Learning To Read" (NPR, Morning Edition, 02/06/09)

StoryCorps piece on a family's work to ensure that their dyslexic daughter will learn to read.

"Classrooms Where Odds and Ends Are the Textbook" (Wash Post, 04/05/09)

Spaghetti, crumpled cereal boxes and other household goods have become teaching tools in some Manassas classrooms as educators deviate from traditional methods and seek innovative ways to challenge students in the 21st century.

"Teachers want dogs to help students learn" (Northern Star, 02/03/09)

It is not unusual to see dogs helping disabled people do everyday activities.

Three teachers from Cortland Elementary School, 50 W. Maple Ave., want to take it a step further and use therapy dogs to help students learn.

First grade teacher Amy Boona and third grade teacher Shelly Quade went before the Board of Education to propose a 14-week pilot program with their own dogs.

"High school tutors aid younger learners" (Columbus Telegram, 02/02/09)

Caras, a 10th-grader at Columbus High School, is among 15 CHS students who are helping tutor Emerson students in reading. Through the Learning Together program started this semester, the students are meeting twice a week at the elementary school.

"NEA reports rise in reading, but increase may be partially reluctant" (Ledger Dispatch, 02/02/09)

More people are turning pages, but they may be turning fewer of them, says a recent government study that reports a surprising and welcome increase in the number of adults who recently read a novel, short story, play or other work of literature.

"Reading Creates 'Simulations' In Minds" (NPR, All Things Considered, 01/31/09)

A study provides new insights about what's going on in your head when you crack open a good book. Jeff Zacks, associate professor of psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, talks about the study.

"Teachers, parents gain tools to help kids with dyslexia" (Daily Comet, 02/01/09)

More than 200 people from throughout Louisiana filled the halls of Nicholls State University Saturday to improve their understanding of dyslexia and its effect on human’s intellectual development.

"Click and Jane" (NYTimes, 1/30/09)

Reading books is an operation with paper. Playing games on the Web is something else entirely. I need to admit this to myself, too. I try to believe that reading online is reading-plus, with the text searchable, hyperlinked and accompanied by video, audio, photography and graphics. But maybe it’s just not reading at all. Just as screens aren’t books.

"Coaches help lift up literacy in schools" (IndyStar, 01/29/09)

Coaches -- also called literacy teachers and literacy coordinators -- train teachers about reading strategies so students better understand what they're reading, retain the information and achieve a higher level of thinking.

"Early phonics success 'may wane' " (BBC, 01/26/09)

Initial success in improving the way young children are taught to read may peter out if teachers' commitment wanes, a government adviser has warned.

"Getting kids to choose reading over video games" (MSNBC, 01/28/09)

Getting kids to put down video games and pick up a book is especially challenging in the months following Christmas. Brand new video games and electronic toys, it seems, have much more allure to kids than than any literary classic or even popular title.

But the group Reading Is Fundamental urges parents to keep at it.