FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Advisory for Immediate Release
December 19, 2008
Contact: B. Denise Hawkins (202) 233-2025/2072 bdhawkins@nifl.gov



Addressing Profound Gaps in Early Literacy: National Early Literacy Panel Chairman Dr. Timothy Shanahan to Share Findings and Research Implications of Much-Anticipated Final Report


WASHINGTON – Plan now to attend the National Institute for Literacy’s release of Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel, A Scientific Synthesis of Early Literacy Development and Implications for Intervention at the National Press Club on January 8, 2009 from 10-11 a.m. (EST). Developing Early Literacy represents the first time the comprehensive body of published literacy research on children from birth to age 5 has been scientifically organized, synthesized, and turned into actionable recommendations.

Literacy, education, early-childhood, and media professionals are invited to this news briefing obtain copies of the report, gather key findings, and learn about research-based early intervention and instructional strategies. Members of the National Early Literacy Panel (NELP) and its chairman Dr. Timothy Shanahan will be among the presenters. A media telebriefing with Dr. Shanahan is also scheduled for January 8 at 12:00 p.m. (EST) for those unable to attend the National Press Club event.

Both the report release event and the media telebriefing will highlight best practices and the report’s implications for educators, caregivers, Head Start providers, parents, policy makers, and researchers. Participation is free.

To register for the National Press Club news event or the media telebriefing, send an e-mail to Media@NIFL.gov.

NOTE: To schedule an interview with NELP chairman Dr. Timothy Shanahan (Professor of Urban Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Director of the UIC Center for Literacy), please contact B. Denise Hawkins, Director of Communications, at (202) 233-2025/2072 or e mail: bdhawkins@nifl.gov. 

Release Event Media Telebriefing
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009 Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009 Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. EST Time: Noon – 1:00 p.m. EST Location: National Press Club Call-in: 1(800) 369-1993

529 14th Street NW Passcode: 1460163
Washington, DC 20045

The National Institute for Literacy, a federal agency, provides leadership on literacy issues, including the improvement of reading instruction for children, youth, and adults. More information at: http://www.nifl.gov



Click here for a copy of "Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel"

Click here for a copy of the "Executive Summary"