Wilkes University hosts “America’s Reading Crisis: The Impact on our Children, Families and Community Plus Solutions,” from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The forum will be held in the second floor ballroom of the Henry Student Center, 84 W. South St. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The event is free and open to the public.
The goal of the forum is to create a mindset of advocacy within the community regarding the reading crisis in the United States. It is designed to inspire hope by sharing current science and initiatives about how children learn to read. Experts in health and education will discuss a variety of issues that contribute to the literacy crisis and also practical suggestions that can help educators and community stakeholders make a positive difference.
In addition to Wilkes faculty, local community and educational leaders will participate. Participants include:
- Nathan Barrett, Superintendent, Hanover Area School District
- Shannon Bennett, Director of Special Education, Hanover Area School District
- Christine Ferrato, Associate Professor of Reading, Luzerne County Community College
- Emily Havrilla, Associate Professor/Chair of Undergraduate Nursing, Wilkes University
- Bill Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of Wyoming Valley
- Vicki Jones, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Literacy, Wilkes University
- Pam Kastner, Pa. State Lead for Literacy, Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network
- Sandie Lamanna, Literacy and School Improvement Expert and Consultant
- Kimberly Niezgoda, Director and Program Coordinator of the Intensive English Program, Wilkes University
- Kimmy Nguyen, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Wilkes University
- Stephanie Salavantis, Luzerne County Judge
- Sam Sanguedolce, Luzerne County District Attorney
Interested attendees can contact Vicki Jones for more information at victoria.jones1@wilkes.edu or (570) 408-6814.
