Springfield Schools sponsors literacy conference at Evangel

August 1, 2007
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, 417-865-2815 ext. 7292

Springfield, Mo. — More than 350 educators from Springfield and surrounding school districts are gathered at Evangel University for the fourth annual Literacy Conference. The event, which is sponsored by Springfield Public Schools with funds available through Title I grant monies, runs through Friday.

The conference’s featured speaker is renowned author and researcher in writing and literacy, Dr. Linda Dorn. Dorn authored the four textbooks covered as workshop topics.

This conference equips local principals, teachers, reading specialists, literacy coaches, and others with a plan for implementing the Partnerships in Comprehensive Literature (PCL) model, a model pioneered by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

“We’re on the cutting edge of national research because of our affiliation with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock,” said Denise Kelly, Title I literacy support specialist for Springfield Public Schools. “The comprehensive literature model fills the needs schools have for scientific research in order to meet No Child Left Behind requirements.”

“These funds allow us to provide enrichment — an accelerated option for these kids,” said Denise Fredrick, executive director of accountability and related federal programs for Springfield Public Schools.

Although teachers are still on summer break, Fredrick pointed out that many attending receive no compensation. “They’re committed to literacy,” she said. “They can do a better job when they get to the classroom. It’s an indication of their dedication.”

Title I is a federal program that provides funding to improve schooling of disadvantaged students. To be considered a Title I school, at least 50 percent of students must be on a free or reduced-cost lunch program. In Springfield, 20 of the 36 elementary schools and four of the nine middle schools are eligible for Title I funds.

Officials from Springfield Public Schools coordinate with Dr. Becky Huechteman, education department chair for Evangel, to host this fourth conference and plan to continue this event in the future.

Evangel University is the national Assemblies of God college of arts, sciences and professions. Evangel enrolls more than 2,000 students from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries.