Beginning in the winter of 2019 a review of guidelines for certification as a Reading Clinician in Manitoba was undertaken in response to changing course offerings at the University of Manitoba and evolving guidelines around the certification of literacy professionals.  The International Literacy Association Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals (2017) was used as a guiding document in the formulation of these recommendations as well as in the re-envisioning of the syllabus for the clinical course (7060) in partnership with the University of Manitoba. The project was undertaken by clinician representatives from two urban and one rural school division in Manitoba and in collaboration with the Manitoba Teacher Certification Branch and the University of Manitoba.

We are excited to announce that the new certification guidelines have been approved by the Minister of Education.  These new guidelines include both a coursework-based route and a thesis-based route.  This will afford students the opportunity to conduct research on a deeper level in an area of interest related to the clinical reading specialty within the Masters program and opens doors for doctoral programs that are currently not an option for those completing the coursework-based Masters.

A note: The pre-Jan 2021 requirements will also be accepted for students currently enrolled who started their program with those requirements in place.

Dear Readers,

On behalf of the Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians, I would like to take this moment to wish you all good health and strength during this trying time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  While we navigate our new world reality, we at MCRC will continue to strive to provide our members and readers current information on literacy and learning. 

We hope this message finds you and your family in good health.  We would like to let MCRC members know that after a meeting of the executive council, a decision was made to postpone our annual general meeting to the fall; date to be determined in due time.  We wish you all strength and courage during this pandemic time and we are looking forward to seeing you all at our fall AGM meeting.

We want you also to know that the International Literacy Association is taking action to support educators during this time. Free resources can be found on their website. As well it is important to note that voting opportunities are now open for board elections if you are a member of ILA. Members are encouraged to vote for three at-large candidates and one vice president candidate. You can read about the candidates here.

Sincerely,

Philippe Morin-Fournier, MCRC President

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” Kofi Annan

The end of February marks the closing of I Love to Read month! We hope it has been a great month filled with fun activities that promote our student’s passion for reading! And the best news yet, is spring awaits us, just around the corner. A reminder that there are upcoming events next month, including Bernadette Dwyer presenting Using Technology to Improve Reading and Learning at The Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Don’t delay, as registration for this valuable PD opportunity closes March 6th.

In hot topics today, the most recent edition of Literacy Today-Jan-Feb highlights important NEW ILA Research Briefs that will be of interest to everyone dedicated to teaching reading. The three briefs listed below provide cutting edge up-to-date information and can be downloaded and saved for future reference.

Children Experiencing Reading Difficulties

Right to Policies that Ensure Equitable Literacy Instruction

Phonological Awareness in Early Childhood Literacy Development  

In addition to this information the ILA also provides the biannual What’s Hot in 2020-And Beyond  as well as a call to sign on in support of Children’s Rights To Read which can also be found on our previous blog posts.

Job well done!

Carol Hryniuk-Adamov has sown the seeds of literacy.  Her work in the International Reading Association, now The International Literacy Association reaches from her presidency of the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg to present ILA involvement. Her work with Winnipeg School Division as a Reading Clinician has touched the lives of countless students.

Carol nurtured IRA ties, as did other reading clinicians in Winnipeg, when the Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians was formed.

She was continuously instrumental in her outreach with the IRA literacy community for professional development for MCRC speakers. As well Carol supported these endeavours through Clinical Support Service and those in the  Reading Department. Furthermore, Carol was an integral part of the   MRA Adolescent Literacy Summit conferences. She was a leader in the organization of the Summits and their ongoing success. Carol’s passion for literacy is contagious and an asset to those around her.

Carol has served as MCRC and Reading Council president and for many years, she represented her councils and her status as a reading clinician as the provincial co-ordinator to IRA. She provided numerous workshops, presentations and shared  her wealth of knowledge on literacy topics especially comprehension and study skills.

Carol represented her discipline well through her instruction at the University of Winnipeg and University of Manitoba. She also spent summers in the Department of Education workshops and as a reading clinician to adolescent learners for a boost into the new school year.

The Manitoba Council of Reading Clinicians honour Carol for the work she has done, spanning over three decades, enriching lives, one student at a time, one colleague at a time, one book at a time and one incredible life story at a time.