News Releases

International Reading Association Publishes Book on Adolescent Literacy Instruction Co-edited by NJCU Professor Jill Lewis

Adolescent Literacy Instruction: Policies and Promising Practices, a book co-edited by Dr. Jill Lewis of Highland Park, a professor of literacy education at New Jersey City University, and Dr. Gary Moorman of Appalachian State University, has been published by the International Reading Association (IRA).

A comprehensive resource, the 384-page book explores how adolescence and academic achievement are defined within today’s political context, examines the in-school potential of teens’ out-of-school immersion in digital technologies and popular culture, and provides information on how comprehension strategies can be embedded into classroom instruction.

Adolescent Literacy Instruction is divided into two parts: “Adolescent Literacy Initiatives” and “Instructional Strategies for Adolescent Learners.” Contributed by leading experts in the field, the book’s 18 chapters feature innovative teaching techniques, first-hand accounts of district- and school-wide literacy initiatives, discussion questions, adaptable forms and templates, and activities for professional study groups.

Of the 18 chapters, two were written by Dr. Lewis: “Federal and International Reading Association Policies and Initiatives for Adolescent Literacy” and “Academic Literacy: Principles and Learning Opportunities for Adolescent Readers.”

Dr. Lewis is the lead author of On the Frontline: Advocating Effectively for Your School, Your Students, and Your Profession and Academic Literacy: Reading Strategies and Background Essays (4th ed.). She has written numerous articles on such topics as professional development, advocacy, and content area reading.

Dr. Lewis, who recently completed a three-year term on the IRA’s Board of Directors, is a member of the New Jersey State Council for Adult Literacy Education Services, a 27-member statewide committee that, in consultation with the stakeholders in the area of adult literacy education, facilitates statewide and local policy development, planning, and oversight.

Internationally, Dr. Lewis serves as Volunteer Education Consultant for the Secondary Education Reform Activity program in Macedonia. She has also worked in Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Albania for the IRA’s Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking project.

A former board member of the New Jersey Reading Association, Dr. Lewis was the recipient of its Distinguished Service Award in 2002.

Dr. Lewis has been a member of the NJCU faculty since 1973.

She holds an Ed.D. from Rutgers University, an M.A from George Washington University, and a B.S. from State University College at Buffalo.

News releases by Ellen Wayman-Gordon, and Kelly Resch, Office of Public Information.