The release of the What’s Hot survey results heralds
the beginning of a new and exciting year for the
International Literacy Association (ILA) (see page 22).
This year, 2,097 literacy professionals across
91 countries and territories responded to the
survey. Such a comprehensive survey reflects the
role a professional organization like ILA can play
in foregrounding important issues in literacy—
thereby influencing research, classroom practice,
professional development, and policy.
Moreover, the survey amplifies the voices
of literacy professionals; permits the literacy
community to pause, consider, and debate
emerging trends; and provides a road map of
important topics in literacy in 2018.
This year’s results suggest that we do indeed live
in a global village. Despite geographical, linguistic,
cultural, and political differences, what emerges
from the survey is the interconnected nature of
the world and the common concerns that are
exercising us all in the field of literacy. This year,
respondents said Early Literacy, Equity in Literacy
Education, and Teacher Preparation are the three
most pressing issues in literacy education today.
It is notable that Early Literacy is deemed the No.
1 most important topic in the United States and No.
3 internationally. Today’s children are growing up in a
highly connected and multimodal world. There is an
increasing awareness of the role that effective literacy
pedagogies and positive early literacy experiences
can play in shaping a child’s holistic development.
The transnational movement of people, the critical
role of parents, and the need to enhance awareness
of cultural differences in classrooms is reflected in the
Literacy Research Panel’s (LRP) recent briefs, including
Early Literacy Learning for Immigrant and Refugee
Children: Parents’ Critical Roles and Characteristics
ILA: Finger on the Pulse of
Literacy
ILA UPDATE
of Culturally Sustaining and Academically Rigorous
Classrooms (see page 8 for more on the LRP’s work).
Equity in Literacy Education and Teacher
Preparation were both ranked significantly more
important than hot, which suggests that these
issues deserve more attention in the literacy
community’s research and policy work. ILA will
tackle both topics—advancing teacher quality
and equity initiatives simultaneously—at ILA West
2018, to be held in San Diego, CA, March 16–17.
With the theme “Literacy: A Pathway to Equity,”
dynamic keynote speakers and innovators in the
field of literacy will reflect on research-based best
practices for closing the gap for marginalized
populations and inspire teachers and coaches,
early childhood educators, and administrators to
become passionate and knowledgeable advocates
for literacy in their communities. Registration is
open now. Learn more at literacyworldwide.org/
ilawest.
The feedback garnered by the What’s Hot
survey will guide the direction of ILA’s future
research, professional development, and
programming. So, as we welcome 2018, let us
celebrate what we have achieved and insist that
we “forever begin” to revitalize our resolve to work
proactively to advance literacy for all.
Bernadette Dwyer
Vice President of the Board
6
literacyworldwide.org | January/February 2018 | LITERACY TODAY