Research Agenda

The Collaborative Center for Literacy Development (CCLD) developed a comprehensive research agenda that aims to influence policy and practice in ways that improve the literacy of Kentuckians. In order to determine Kentucky's greatest education research needs, CCLD convened a think tank of state and national literacy experts who sought input from a wide range of stakeholders. The think tank utilized a multi-layered process to answer two overarching questions:

• What do we know about Kentuckians' literacy achievement/attainment?
• What new knowledge is needed to improve Kentuckians' literacy achievement/attainment?

A think tank of state and national literacy researchers and Kentucky department of education personnel convened to consider these questions. During the first think tank meeting, participants examined state assessment data on the literacy of Kentuckians, early childhood through adulthood. Based on those data, the think tank identified important topics of study that will advance the state in the area of literacy. Identified topics included (a) family/community, (b) decision-makers/leaders, (c) teacher preparation, (d) data/student achievement, (e) school or program context, (f) school or program content, (g) school or program resources.

Based on a thorough examination of state-level literacy data and subsequent stakeholder feedback, the think tank identified four key research topics for the agenda:

1. Teacher preparation
2. Family and community
3. Data/student achievement
4. School and program content

Research Agenda Grant Projects

CCLD enacted the research agenda by awarding seven $10,000 grants to scholars at five Kentucky universities to conduct research that informs policy and practice and improves literacy teaching and learning in Kentucky.

Priority Topic #1: Teacher Preparation

Dr. Nicole Fenty, University of Louisville, “Literacy in Teacher Education":
This study examines the ways in which literacy is addressed in teacher preparation programs across Kentucky.

Dr. Jody Fernandez, Morehead State University, “Kentucky Teacher Certification: An On-site Investigation into Kentucky Teacher Standards and their Correlations with New Zealand Teacher Standards to Develop High Quality Teachers”:
This study compares teacher preparation in Kentucky to teacher preparation in New Zealand and considers implications for improving Kentucky’s teacher preparation programs.

Priority Topic #2: Family & Community Literacy

Dr. Kristen Perry, University of Kentucky, “ESL and Adult Literacy Provision for Refugees in Lexington”:
This study examines educational provision (specifically, English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Literacy programs) for adult refugees in Lexington.

Priority Topic #3: Student Achievement Data

Dr. Jill Adelson, University of Louisville, “Literacy Patterns in Kentucky”:
This study uses existing statewide student achievement data to examine patterns of literacy achievement among disaggregated student groups.

Priority Topic #4: School & Program Content

Dr. Jennifer Montgomery, Western Kentucky University, “Implementing Word Walls Across the Curriculum”: This study investigates the use of word walls as a teaching strategy for enhancing middle and high school students’ vocabulary development.

Dr. Pamela Petty, Western Kentucky University, “Readers Matter™: Literacy Support Assessment Tool”:
This study focuses on the impact of Readers Matter™, a peer review process to aid faculty in supporting literacy learners in their courses.

Dr. Diana Porter, Eastern Kentucky University, “Literacy in Mathematics: Developing the Skills of Ninth Grade Students”:
This study investigates the impact of a class that focuses on literacy skills that students need to be successful in math, science, language arts and social studies classes.