Stronger Together: The Alliance for Reading Science in Higher Education

 The vision of the Stronger Together: The Alliance for Reading Science in Higher Education (STARS-HE) Consortium is that all educators will be prepared to learn and implement the science of reading through training received in their pre-service training programs and their advanced degree programs.

The mission of the STARS-HE Consortium is to support:

• faculty in continually deepening their understanding of the science of reading and developing and implementing evidence-based practices in coursework and field experiences in their program and across programs in their IHE, 
• faculty to create supports for recent program graduates to advocate for change and leadership in their early career roles,
• public school districts in partnering with IHEs for field-based instructional training opportunities, and
• state education agencies in aligning program reviews across disciplines in educator preparation (e.g., literacy, linguistics, education leadership, special education, TESOL, school psychology, etc.), accreditation, faculty learning opportunities, and licensure exams with the current body of reading research.

To accomplish this mission, the STARS-HE Consortium supports a network of higher education faculty who are interested in collaborating, learning and sharing resources. Priorities actions include:

1.  Presentations on the science of reading in higher education at professional conferences
2. Professional development for faculty including webinars and conference gatherings 
3. Scholarly publications in professional journals on the science of reading in higher education
4. Ongoing engagement in a private Facebook group 
5. Outreach to local, state and national policy makers and non-profit organizations advocating for change

The STARS-HE advisory board oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of consortium activities. It also serves as a resource to institutions of higher education, state departments of education, nonprofit organizations, and legislators seeking guidance on advancing the science of reading and learning.

Advisory board members:

Stephanie Edgren

Krista Erikson

Ronda Fritz

Stacy Hurst

Doreen Mazzye

Cara McDermott-Fasy

Vicki Piquette

Leslie Sharp

Stephanie Stollar

Papae Wymore

For more information contact Stephanie Stollar at [email protected]