FALL 2023 Missouri Reader November 2023 | Page 4

Editors' Expressions

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Editors' Expressions

Elizabeth Wallington

Jennifer Botello

Nermin Vehabovic

Nermin Vehabovic

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Dear Readers,

As the new co-editors of The Missouri Reader, we are delighted to welcome you to the latest issue of our journal. This issue marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of literacy, its impact on society, and its ever-evolving dynamics in Missouri and across the US.

Our journal has always been a platform for the exchange of ideas, research, and practical insights that contribute to the advancement of literacy education and its related fields. We firmly believe in the power of literacy to transform lives, empower individuals, and enrich communities. In this issue, you will find a diverse range of articles, essays, and studies that shed light on the multifaceted aspects of literacy, from its role in early childhood education to its relevance in the digital age.

This issue features contributions from scholars, educators, and practitioners who have dedicated their time and expertise to unravel the intricate nuances of literacy. Some of the highlights in this edition include:

1. “Student’s Right to Read: A Shift in Local Educational Policy”: a feature article on local education policy;

2."Spelling Inventories a Powerful Assessment Tool”: a classroom connection for using spelling inventories to empower instruction;

3.“The Poetry of Our Lives,” and “32 Reasons I Teach”: two excellent content connections;

4.and four resourceful research articles on a variety of literacy topics.

We would like to express our gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, and contributors who have made this issue possible. Their dedication and scholarly work have enriched our journal and contributed to the broader discourse on literacy.

As we move forward, we encourage you, our readers, to engage with the content and share your thoughts with us. Your feedback and insights are invaluable in shaping the future direction of The Missouri Reader. We look forward to receiving your submissions, comments, and suggestions.

In closing, I would like to thank our readers for their continued support and the tireless efforts of our editorial team. Together, we can continue to promote literacy as a means of empowerment, enlightenment, and positive change.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Thorne Wallington, PhD

Jennifer Botello, EdD