Displaying Their Literary Stuff
ALBANY, N.Y. (Aug. 13, 2019) — An increased love of reading and writing is certainly worthy of celebration — particularly when such love is instilled in youth.
That is the goal of the Literacy Lab, a capstone practicum for UAlbany students pursuing the literacy specialist master's degree for educating children from birth through Grade 6. The lab’s six-week summer tutorial, held for children in the Cohoes City School District for the 14th year, culminates each time with “The Family Celebration.” This year’s was last Thursday at Cohoes’s Abram Lansing Elementary School.
There, 22 students shared writing pieces they’ve created — from stories or essays about their favorite things to public service messaging and advertising copy — or books that meant a lot to them during the tutorials. They were guided and encouraged by the 22 graduate students, School of Education faculty and administrators, and cheered on by 22 families.
Aiding Students and Community
Cliff Bird, principal of Abram Lansing Elementary School. said, “The UAlbany Literacy Lab adds to our resources by providing a one-to-one literacy professional who not only becomes familiar with the student but, by design, engages with the child’s family as well. Our children are raised up and our community benefits as well.”
School of Education Interim Dean Jason Lane viewed the celebration and commented, “Our Literacy Lab is a remarkable example of our commitment to community engagement and transformative learning experiences. I’ve witnessed firsthand how this program instills a passion for learning in our youth, engages families in the learning experience, and inspires our future teachers to use education to improve the lives of their students.
"It is also part of the reason why school leaders consider the literacy teachers that graduate from UAlbany among New York’s best.”
Cheryl Dozier, associate professor in Literacy Teaching and Learning, who directs the Literacy Lab, noted, “We are honored to have a partnership with the Cohoes City School District. We learn from and with students and families each semester and look forward to celebrating their many literacy accomplishments.”
Photos by Patrick Dodson
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A comprehensive public research university, the University at Albany-SUNY offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors and 125 master's, doctoral and graduate certificate programs. UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, education, public health,health sciences, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, engineering and applied sciences, informatics, public administration, social welfare and sociology, taught by an extensive roster of faculty experts. It also offers expanded academic and research opportunities for students through an affiliation with Albany Law School. With a curriculum enhanced by 600 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers.
