Chapter One: The Role of the Reading Specialist in Schools and Classrooms

Summary from Chapter 1 (Bean, 2004):

"The role of the reading specialist has continued to evolve over the past decades. Currently, we are experiencing a greater emphasis on the leadership or resource role. Some of these changes have occurred in response to research findings on reading instruction and assessment practices. Other changes have emerged on the heels of criticism about the results of compensatory programs, which lacked congruence between classroom and supplemental instruction. New emphases in reading instruction and increased demand for scientifically based reading instruction will create demands for reading specialists to assume an increased leadership role. Reading specialists, however, will continue to fill multiple roles that require individuals with an in-depth knowledge of reading instruction and assessment and the ability to work well with other adults (p.10)."