SXU to host conference for educators about promoting literacy in K-12 students

Saint Xavier University’s School of Education and the Illinois Reading Council Region 5 will host a half-day conference for educators and administrators who play an important role in promoting literacy in grades K to 12. The conference, titled “Our Changing World:  Exploring Cultures, Technology and the Common Core Conference,” is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 27 at SXU’s Orland Park campus, located at 18230 Orland Parkway. Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. and the conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Early bird registration is $40 if completed by Fri., Oct. 19, and costs $45 after Oct. 19. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and instruction and workshop materials. Pre-registration is required by Wed., Oct. 24 and seats are limited. Registration is available online at the conference webpage, located at sxu.edu, keyword: region 5. Fairmont School District 89 Superintendent Sonya Whitaker, Ed.D., will give the keynote address, “Creating a Culture of Achievement during the Era of Common Core Standards.” Educators have been under more pressure to produce results than ever before in the history of public education. At the same time, demographic shifts are bringing a more diverse student population to schools. Educators are striving to respond, but many lack the cultural proficiency needed to address the needs of a diverse student population (Nelson and Guerra, 2007). During Dr. Whitaker’s inspiring keynote presentation, educators and administrators will develop the cultural proficiencies needed to dramatically improve student achievement.  She will provide participants with practical instruction and assessment strategies that will help teachers increase the achievement levels of all their students, especially those from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Additional speakers will focus on topics in reading and writing with practical suggestions for the classroom teachers.  Some of these topics include technology, bilingual literature, and Common Core State Standards. There will be an opportunity to visit with Dr. Whitaker for a book signing at the end of the conference. This event is cosponsored by SXU’s School of Education and the Illinois Reading Council Region Region 5 (Will, Kankakee, and South Suburban Reading Councils. For more information, please visit www.sxu.edu, Keyword:  Region 5, or contact Wanda Manning at (708) 802-6205 or manning@sxu.edu.