Mission Statement

Affiliated with the International Literacy Association

“To promote a literate, democratic society valuing lifelong learning for its diverse cultures."

ARTICLE I: PREAMBLE

The New York State Reading Association shall contribute to the growth and welfare of local reading councils. It shall empower educators, inspire students, encourage leaders, and otherwise support, stimulate and inspire all activities concerned with improving reading/literacy programs and teaching procedures to make literacy accessible for all.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purposes of the New York State Reading Association shall be:

I.    To promote the local councils by:

A.    Acting as a coordinating agency for local councils by helping them build stronger programs through the sharing of ideas.

B.    Acting as a center to promote communication to enable the local councils to exchange ideas and to cooperate with each other for their mutual benefit.

C.    Promoting and aiding the formation of new local councils as well as encouraging increased membership in existing councils and in the International Literacy Association.

II.   To promote reading/literacy by:

A.    Encouraging mutual understanding and cooperative work in reading/literacy among educators and agencies at all levels.

B.    Acting as an intermediate clearing house for information relating to reading/literacy.

C.    Encouraging pre-service and in-service growth of teachers in the area of reading/literacy.         

D.    Participating in the establishment of standards for reading/literacy instruction.

III. To serve as a spokesperson for the teaching of reading/literacy by:

A.    Providing local councils opportunities for involvement in the formation of state-wide policies affecting reading/literacy, including curriculum improvement and certification.

B.    Serving as a unified voice advocating reading/literacy before governmental and professional bodies.

 IV. To promote and serve the needs and interests of reading/literacy professionals, including, but not limited to those personnel who meet the basic standards of preparation of a reading teacher, reading specialist, or literacy specialist.

(Revised Fall 2017 to align with ILA’s mission statement)