Collaborative Center for Literacy Development

In 2010, the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development awarded 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. The seven funded projects address each of the research agenda’s four priority topics: teacher preparation, family and community literacy, student achievement data, and school and program content.

CCLD Research Agenda Small Research Grant Awards:

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 Onsite 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.