Literacy Committee

Patty, Maschoff, and Ransom (1996) suggest that a literacy committee (also called a reading advisory board) should consist of seven to 15 members, including several classroom teachers, the reading specialist, the school librarian, an administrator, a representative from the central office, a school board representative, two parents, and one community representative. They note:

"A school may wish to achieve balance of representation in its reading advisory board memberships. The largest number should be classroom teachers, who together with the principal, librarian, or reading specialist constitute a majority. A central office person and school board member secure official approval for interpretations and decisions. The librarian's role supports program goals of literacy by developing a strong book collection. Teachers, parents, and community member should be people held in high regard, and who openly provide information to their constituencies. If the group selects the chair from its membership, the reading advisory board is more likely to function effectively." (p. 62)

Members of the literacy committee may be elected or appointed. "Election may assure faculty popularity in representation, perhaps ultimate faculty ownership of changes. Appointment may enhance balance in decisions and quality of membership," state Patty, Maschoff, and Ransom (1996, p. 62). They add that "school principals may be active members of advisory boards but need to exercise caution to avoid domination" (p. 61).

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