This year we plan to have a number of guest editors contribute to The Literacy Notepad. Carol Ann Farrell is this month's contributor.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to introduce and welcome the Editorial Committee for The Literacy Notepad and First-Time Readers. The committee consists of Don McDonald, Michelle Brown, Cal Coish, Bessie Merrigan, Debbie Connors, Dr. Georgina Hedges, Martha MacDonald, and myself as chair. I look forward to our working together.

The Editorial Committee met recently to discuss how our publications can best serve the literacy community of the province. The Literacy Notepad does not serve the communication needs for just the Literacy Development Council. It is a publication which can be used by any organization, group, or person involved in literacy to share ideas, events, and general information. There are many features in the Notepad that are appreciated by our readers. There is always a need for more information sharing, especially with the wealth of literacy activities going on in the province. If you, your group, or organization are involved in a project or event, we invite you to share the information with others through the Notepad. There is much to be proud of.

Information on reading and writing instruction, materials, programs, etc. continues to multiply. Research shows that the teacher/instructor is the key factor in the success of students/learners as readers and writers. Research also shows that teachers/instructors who participate in professional development activities are more likely to have greatest success. No teacher/instructor can afford not to keep abreast of the latest developments in the teaching of reading and writing.

The International Reading Association (IRA) is the key professional development organization for teachers/instructors in reading and writing. The IRA, which was formed over 40 years ago, now has 95,000 individual members in over 100 countries and 46 national affiliate members. The organization represents about 350,000 members. Two main goals of the Association are: to enhance and improve professional development of reading educators, and to advocate for significant reading and literacy issues.

The Literacy Development Council encourages each agency/organization/school and individual involved with literacy to become a member of the International Reading Association and take advantage of its professional services. In addition to Reading Today (a newspaper type publication of information, techniques, issues, upcoming events, etc.), a basic membership also includes one of several journals. If you are interested in family/early literacy, reading in the primary or elementary grades, the journal is The Reading Teacher. If your interest is at the junior or senior high school or adult level, the journal is The Journal of Adult and Adolescent Literacy.

For information on becoming a member, please contact the Literacy Development Council at 738-7323 or 1-800-563-1111.