Improving Reading Comprehension in Somerset ISD: Strategy-Based Reading Instruction San

Misty Sailors, PhD

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Department of Interdisciplinary Learning & Teaching / Work Phone: (210) 458-7288
College of Education and Human Development / Email:
The University of Texas at San Antonio
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249

Education

2003Doctor of Philosophy, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Texas at Austin

1998Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Texas at Austin

1989Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, University of Texas at Austin

Academic Positions

2013 - Present
2014 (April) / Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio
Visiting Scholar, Universidad de los Andes (Santiago, Chile)
Associate Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio
Assistant Professor, University of Texas at San Antonio

Academic Positions - P-12

1989 - 1998 / Classroom teacher, Bastrop Independent School District

Licensure

Elementary Mathematics Grades 1-8, Life Certification

Elementary Self-Contained Grades 1-8, Life Certification

Reading Specialist, Grades PK-12, Life Certification

SCHOLARSHIP/RESEARCH/CREATIVE WORKS

Journal Article, Academic Journal

Sailors, M., & Kaambankadzanja, D. (2017). Fostering reading development in early grades through inquiry. TheReading Teacher, 71(2), 199-208.

Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M., & Aguirre, S. (2016). Thinking globally in literacy instruction: Making a difference in the world. The Reading Teacher, 70(2), 143-148.

Dentith, A., Sailors, M., & Sethusha, M. (2016). What does it mean to be a girl?: Teachers' representations of gender in supplementary reading materials for South African schools. Journal of Literacy Research, 48, 394-422.

Coryell, J., Sailors, M., Sehin, O., & Nelson, R. (2016). Capacity building at mid-programme: an international education development programme in Malawi. Development and Practice, 26, 272-284.

Orellana, P., & Sailors, M. (2016). Examining print environments in Chilean classrooms. Literacy Research and Instruction, 55, 163-181.

Shin, J., Sailors, M., McClung, N., Pearson, P. D., Hoffman, J., & Chilimanjira, M. (2015). The impact of first language reading and writing on learning English as a second language in an African context: the case of Malawi, Chichewa and English. Bilingual Research Journal, 38, 255-274.

Sailors, M., & Price, L. (2015). Support for Improvement of Practices through Intensive Coaching (SIPIC): A model of coaching for improving reading instruction and reading achievement, Teaching and Teacher Education, 45, 115-127.

Sailors, M., & Flores, M. (2014). The cost effectiveness of a complementary reading program and reading achievement. Journal of Education and Human Development, 3(4), 1-19.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V., Pearson, P. D., McClung, N., Shin, J., Phiri, L., & Saka, T. (2014). Supporting change in literacy instruction in Malawi. Reading Research Quarterly, 49, 2, 209-231.

Sailors, M., & Samati, M. (2014). Community mobilization: Supporting the implementation of a complementary reading program in Malawi. 63rd Yearbook of the Literacy Research Association, 158-171. Altamonte Springs, FL: Literacy Research Association.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J.V., Wilson, T., Villarreal, L., Peterson, K., Chilora, H., Phiri, L., & Saka, T. (2013). Implementing a school-wide reading program in Malawi: A case study. In P.J. Dunston, S.K. Fullerton, C.C. Bates, K. Headley, & P.M. Stecker (Eds.), 62nd yearbook of the Literacy Research Association (pp. 220–232). Altamonte Springs, FL: Literacy Research Association.

Sailors, M. (2013). Making literacy a “pervasive part” of a second grade classroom. Pennsylvania Reads, 12, 7-15.

Sailors, M., Martinez, M., Villarreal, L. (2013). Teacher authored supplementary reading materials in South Africa: A content and thematic analysis. Bookbird, 51, 35-56.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V., Kaambankadzanja, D., Chilora, H., Mapondera, A., & Betha, F. (2012). Complementary Reading Material Development: Accomplishments, Successes and Challenges of the Read Malawi Programme. Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies (Special Issue on Literacy), 26, 171-186.

Horan, D., Sailors, M., Martinez, M., Skerrett, A., Makalela, L. (2011). The Golden Lady: The storied life of a multilingual teacher and author of supplemental reading materials in a marginalized South African language. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education,25 (5), 681-704.

Sailors, M., Makalela, L., Hoffman, J. V. (2010). Opportunity Matters: The unintended successes of The Ithuba Writing Program. Voices from the Middle, 18, 8-16.

Sailors, M., Price, L. (2010). Professional Development that supports the teaching of cognitive reading strategy instruction. Elementary School Journal, 110, 301-323.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V., Pearson, P. D., Beretvas, S. N., Matthee, B. (2010). The Effects of First and Second Language Instruction in South African Rural Schools. Bilingual Research Journal, 33, 21-41.

Hoffman, J. V., Maloch, B., Sailors, M., Assaf, L., Patterson, E. (2009). The Development of Community in Reading Teacher Preparation Programs. English in Texas.

Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M., May, L. (2008). Reading Fluency: Neglected or Corrupted?. NRC, 293-303.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2008). The ITHUBA Writing Project: Promoting Readership in South African Schools with Home Language Texts. The Literacy Professional, XVIII(3).

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V., Matthee, B. (2007). South African Schools that Promote Literacy Learning with Students from Low-Income Communities. Reading Research Quarterly, 42, 364-387.

Sailors, M. (2006). The Effects of No Child Left Behind on Teacher Preparation: Literacy Perspective. Focus on Teacher Education, 6(3), 3-4 & 7-8.

Sailors, M., Keehn, S., Martinez, M., Harmon, J. (2005). Early field experiences offered to and valued by preservice teachers at Sites of Excellence in Reading Teacher Education programs. Teacher Education and Practice: Focus on Global Practices, 18.

Hoffman, J. V., Roller, C. M., Maloch, B., Sailors, M., Duffy, G. G., Beretvas, S. N., The National Commission on Excellence in Elementary Teacher Preparation for Reading (2005). Teachers' Preparation to Teach Reading and Their Experiences and Practices in The First Three Years of Teaching. The Elementary School Journal, 105(3), 267-289.

Sailors, M., Worthy, M., Assaf, L., Mast, M. (2005). The illusion of choice: Fourth graders' perceptions of Accelerated Reader. The California State Reader, 39(1), 26-37.

Sailors, M., Keehn, S., Martinez, M. G., Harmon, J. M., Hedrick, W., Fine, J., Eldridge, D. (2004). Features of early field experiences at sites of excellence in reading teacher education programs. National Reading Conference, 342-355.

Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M., Duffy, G. G., Beretvas, N. (2004). The Effective Elementary Classroom Literacy Environment: Examining the Validity of the TEX-IN3 Observation System. Journal of Literacy Research, 36(3), 289-320.

Sailors, M. (2004). The READ Educational Trust of South Africa. Thinking Classrooms, 5, 34-36.

Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M., Patterson, E. U. (2002). Decodable texts for beginning reading instruction: The year 2000 basals. Journal of Literacy Research, 34, 269-298.

Worthy, J., Sailors, M. (2001). "That Book Isn't on My Level": Moving Beyond Text Difficulty in Personalizing Reading Choices. The New Advocate, 14, 229-239.

Harmon, J., Hedrick, W., Martinez, M., Perez, B., Keehn, S., Fine, J. C., Eldridge, D., Flint, A. S., Littleton, D. M., Bryant-Shanklin, M., Loven, R., Assaf, L., Sailors, M. (2001). Features of Excellence of Reading Teacher Preparation Programs. National Reading Conference.

Journal Editorial Statements

Sailors, M, Martinez, M., Davis, D., Goatley, V., & Willis, A. (2017). Literacy research and the radical imagination. Journal of Literacy Research, 49(3), 319-320.

Sailors, M, Davis, D., Martinez, M., Goatley, V., & Willis, A. (2017). Literacy research in uncertain times. Journal of Literacy Research, 49(2), 155-156.

Sailors, M, Martinez, M., Davis, D., Goatley, V., & Willis, A. (2017). Interrupting and disrupting literacy research. Journal of Literacy Research, 49(1), 6-9.

Sailors, M., & Shanklin, N. L. (2010). Growing evidence to support coaching in literacy and mathematics. The Elementary School Journal, 111(1), 1-6.

Books

Alvermann, D., Unrau, N., Sailors, M., & Ruddell, R. (Eds.). (forthcoming). Theoretical models and processes of literacy(7th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Cassidy, J., Garrett, S., & Sailors, M. (Eds.). (2010). CEDER 2009 Yearbook. Corpus Christi, TX: CEDER.

Hiebert, F., & Sailors, M. (2008). (Eds.). Finding the Right Texts for Beginning and Struggling Readers. New York: Guilford Press.

Book Chapter in Scholarly Book

Sailors, M. (accepted). Re-imagining teacher education. In D. Alvermann, N. Unrau, M. Sailors, & R. Ruddell (Eds.). Theoretical models and processes of literacy(7th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Sailors, M., Martinez, M., Manning, L., Davis, D., Stortz, R., & Sellers, T. (2018). When effective instruction is not enough: A critical look at the emergent understandings of liberatory pedagogy by teachers in a master’s program. InA. E. Lopez & E. L. Olan. (Eds.). Transformative Pedagogies for Teacher Education: Moving Towards Critical Praxis in an era of Change(pp. 15-30). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishers.

Sailors, M., Villarreal, A., Sellers, T., Schutz, P., Minton, S., & Wilburn, M. (in press). Curricular materials for children and young people who struggle with learning to read: The case of Roadrunner Reader Inquiry Kits. In P. O. Garcia & P. B. Lind (Eds.). Reading achievement and motivation in boys and girls. New York, NY: Springer.

Sailors, M., Minton, S., & Villarreal, L. (2016). Literacy coaching and comprehension instruction. In S. Israel (Ed.). Handbook of Research on Comprehension Instruction(601-625). New York: Routledge.

Hoffman, J. V. & Sailors, M. (2015). Assessing literacy teaching: Using the text environment as a window to examine literacy practices. In R. Gabriel & R. Allington (Eds.), Evaluating Literacy Instruction: Principles and Promising Practices (116-134). New York: Routledge.

Sailors, M., Chilora, H., Kaambankadzanja, D., Mapondera, A., Hoffman, J. V. (2014). Promoting reading achievement in Malawian primary schools: Collaboration matters. In C. Leung, J. Richards, C. Lassonde (Eds.), International Collaborations in Literacy Research and Practice (pp. 179-197). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.

Hoffman, J. V. & Sailors, M. (2013). Evaluation, Change and Program Improvement: The Role of the Literacy Specialist. The Administration and Supervision of Reading Programs (5th ed.). New York: Teachers College Press.

Sailors, M., Russell, K., Alexander, K., Augustine, H. (2013). Professional learning and support from a literacy coach: A poem in two voices. In B. M. Taylor & N. K. Duke (Eds.), Handbook on Effective Literacy Instruction (pp. 555-571). New York: Guilford Press.

Sailors, M., Kumar, T., Blady, S., Wilson, A. (2013). Print environments as "tools" for literacy teaching and literacy learning. In B. M. Taylor & N. K. Duke (Eds.), Handbook on Effective Literacy Instruction (pp. 46-71). New York: Guilford Press.

Hoffman, J. V., Wilson, M., Martinez, R., Sailors, M. (2011). Content analysis in literacy research: The past, present and future. In N. K. Duke & M. H. Mallette (Eds.), Literacy Research Methodologies (2nd Edition ed., pp. 28-49). New York: Guilford.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2011). Establishing a Print-rich Classroom and School Environment. In R. M. Bean & A. S. Dagen (Eds.), Best Practices of Literacy Leaders in Schools (pp. 184-205). New York: Guilford Press.

Sailors, M. (2010). Literacy coaching: Why the need for evidence and why now?. In J. Cassidy, S. Garrettt and M. Sailors (Eds.), Literacy Coaching: Research & Practice (pp. 1-14). Corpus Christi, TX: Center for Educational Development, Evaluation and Research.

Sailors, M., Flores, M. (2010). Observational Research. In R. Allington & A McGill-Franzen (Eds.), Handbook of Reading Disabilities Research (pp. 444-455). New York: Routledge.

Hoffman, J. V., Maloch, B., Sailors, M. (2010). Researching the teaching of reading through direct observation: Tools, methodologies and guidelines for the future. In M. Kamil, P. D. Pearson, E. Moje, & P. Afflerbach (Eds.), Handbook of Reading Research (4th Edition ed., pp. 3-33). New York: Routledge.

Rubin, R., Sutterby, J., Sailors, M. (2010). The easy, the difficult, and the almost impossible. In J. Cassidy, S. Garrett, & M. Sailors (Eds.), Literacy Coaching: Research & Practice. Corpus Christi, TX: Center for the Development of Educational Research.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2010). The Text Environment and Learning to Read: Windows and Mirrors Shaping Literate Lives. In D. Wyse, R. Andrews, & J. Hoffman (Eds.), The International Handbook of English, Language and Literacy Teaching (pp. 294-304). New York: Routledge.

Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M., Makalela, L., Matthee, B. (2009). Language Policy and Literacy Instruction: The view from South Africa to South Texas. In J. V. Hoffman, Y. Goodman (Eds.), Changing Literacies for Changing Times (pp. 233-248). Newark: International Reading Association.

Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M. (2008). Evaluation and change: The role of the literacy specialist in guiding program improvement. In D. Strickland & S. Wepner (Eds.), The Administration and Supervision of Reading Programs (4th edition ed., pp. 231-254). New York: Teachers College Press.

Sailors, M. (2008). Improving Comprehension Instruction through Quality Professional Development. In S. E. Israel & G. G. Duffy (Eds.), Handbook of research on reading comprehension (pp. 645-658). Routledge Publishing.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V., Condon, M. (2008). The challenges of developing leveled texts in and for developing countries: The Ithuba Writing Project of South Africa. In F. Hiebert & M. Sailors (Eds.), Finding the Right Texts for Beginning and Struggling Readers. New York: Guilford Press.

Sailors, M. (2007). Arthur I. Gates (1890-1972): Pioneering Reading Research. In S.E. Israel & E. J. Monaghhan (Eds.), Early Reading Pioneers: Contributions to the Field of Reading. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M. (2007). Effective teaching and teacher preparation in reading: Lessons that matter. In B.J. Guzzetti (Eds.), Literacy for the new millenium: Childhood literacy (pp. 3-14). Westport, CT: Praeger.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J.V., Pearson, P.D., Beretvas, N.S., & Matthee, B. (2007). Learning to read with READ: Testing the effectiveness of the “Learning for Living” project. In C.S. Sunal & K. Mutua (Eds.), The enterprise of education (pp. 121–144). Charlotte, NC: Information Age.

Sailors, M. (2007). Supporting teachers through an intensive professional development model. In Cassidy, J. (Eds.), Supporting student success. Corpus Christi, TX: CEDER.

McGee, P., Sailors, M., Fraga, L. (2006). Community through Constructive Learning. In A. Jafari & Kaufman, C. (Eds.), The Handbook of Research on ePortfolios. Hershey, PA: Idea Group, Inc.

Hoffman, J. V., Roser, N., Sailors, M. (2004). Leveled Texts for Beginning Readers: Uncovering the Truths and Confronting the Falsehoods. In J. V. Hoffman and Schallert, D. L. (Eds.), Read This Room: The Role of Texts in Beginning Reading Instruction. Ann Arbor, MI: Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement.

Sailors, M. (2004). Politics, romance and teaching: Confessions of a reading teacher educator in Texas. In J. Lewis, K. S. Jongsma, & A. Berger (Eds.), Educators on the frontline: Advocacy strategies for your classroom, your school, and your profession. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M. (2004). Studying the literacy environment and literacy practices as the basis for critical reflection and change. In J. V. Hoffman and D. L. Schallert (Eds.), The Role of Texts in Beginning Reading Instruction (pp. 213-239). Ann Arbor, MI: Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement.

Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M. (2004). Those who can't teach can: Assessing the impact of No Child Left Behind on teacher education. In K. Goodman, P.Shannon, Y. Goodman, & R. Rapoport (Eds.), Save Our Schools. Berkeley, CA: RDR Books.

Seely-Flint, A., Leland, C., Hoffman, J. V., Patterson, E. U., Sailors, M., Assaf, L. C., Mast, M. A. (2001). "I'm still figuring out how to do this teaching thing": A cross-site analysis of reading preparation programs on beginning teachers' instructional practices and decisions. In C. Roller (Eds.), Learning to Teach Reading: Setting the Research Agenda. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

Book Review

Hoffman, J. V., Rogers, T., Sailors, M., Tierney, R. (2011). Critical literacies, global communication, and education: A focus on African contexts. Book Review. (vol. 46, pp. 394-403). Reading Research Quarterly.

Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2004). Book review of Ravitch, D. The language police: How pressure groups restrict what students learn. (2nd ed., vol. 36, pp. 283-288). Journal of Literacy Research.

Editorship

Editor, Journal of Literacy Research (vol. 49-51).

Co-editor of special issue of Elementary School Journal, 111(1).

Journal Article, Academic Journal – Under review

Sailors, M, Orellana, P., Stortz, R., Sellers, T. (under review). Sponsorship in neighborhoods: Exploring Urban Print Environments across San Antonio, USA and Santiago, Chile. Paper submitted to Literacy.

Peterson, K., Hoffman, J. V., & Sailors, M. (under review). The interest in reading interest: A literature review. Paper under review with Review of Educational Research.

Shin, J., Sailors, M., McClung, N., Hoffman, J. V., Pearson, P. D., Phiri, L., & Kaambankadzanja, D. (under review). Access to Local Books: The Effects of Read Malawi from a Human Rights Perspective. Paper submitted to Research in the Teaching of English.

Journal Article, Academic Work – In Preparation/ Revising to Resubmit

Masten, K., Mobley-Sellers, T., Pickett, A. Siller, M., & Sailors, M. (preparing to submit). The first all-digital library space: The effectiveness of BiblioTech’s services for urban youth. Paper submitted to Journal of Research on Libraries and Young Adults.

Sailors, M., & Manning, L. (revising to submit). Liberatory Leaders, Pedagogies, and Classroom Text Environments. Book prospectus to be submitted to Routledge Press.

Kharod, D., Sailors, M., Bippert, K., et al., (in preparation). “Isn't that dehumanizingnot to acknowledge their individuality?”: Decolonizing observational research. Paper to be submitted to International Journal of Qualitative Studies.

Sailors, M., Wilburn, M., Sass, D., & Davis, D. (in preparation). Post-colonial, school-wide literacy reform efforts: The case of the Roadrunner Readers. Paper to be submitted to Reading Research Quarterly.

Sailors, M., Flores, M., Stortz, R., & Saka, T. (revising to resubmit). The benefits of a motivational reading program for young children in Malawi. Paper to be submitted to Sage Open.

Kumar, T., Sailors, M., Villarreal, L., & Nunez, I. (revising to resubmit). Contradictory Discourses in a Fourth-Grade Classroom: High-Stakes Testing as THE Literacy Tool in the Classroom. Paper to be submitted to Sage Open.

Sailors, M., & Ndimande, B. (Writing results). El mundo es posible: International field experiences with reading specialists. Paper to be submitted to The Reading Teacher.

Technical Reports

Somerset ISD

(2016). Improving reading comprehension in Somerset ISD: Strategy based reading instruction.

Canadian Organization for Development in Education (CODE)

(2015). BETTER Baseline report

(2010). Effectiveness of the Children's Book Project on student learning.

United States Agency for International Development

(2015) Technical Report of Read Malawi Feasibility Trial.

(2010). Summary Report: Annual meeting of the Alliance for the International Study of Literacy and Texts.

United States Agency for International Development: Textbooks and Learning Materials Program

(2012, January, April, July, October). Quarterly Technical Report.

(2011, January, April, July, October). Quarterly Technical Report.

(2010, January, April, July, October). Quarterly Technical Report.

(2009, January, April, July, October). Quarterly Technical Report.

(2008, January, April, July, October). Quarterly Technical Report.

(2007, January, April, July, October). Quarterly Technical Report.

(2006, January, April, July, October). Quarterly Technical Report.

(2005, January, April, July, October). Quarterly Technical Report.

Institute of Educational Sciences (IES): Teacher Quality Project

(2007, January, April, July, October). Annual Technical Report.

(2006, January, April, July, October). Annual Technical Report.

(2005, January, April, July, October). Annual Technical Report.

Podcasts

Baker, E. A. & Sailors, M. (2014, April 28). Literacy coaching in Malawi. Voice of Literacy. Podcast retrieved from

Products

Sailors, M. (2015-16). (With individual classroom teachers). Literacy through Inquiry-based, comprehension instruction. 84 unique inquiry kits for English and Bilingual Learners in Somerset, TX.
Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2017). Interactive Methodologies for the BETTER Teacher Preparation Project. Canada: CODE.
Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2010). Read Malawi Evaluation Instrument: Measuring student achievement and instructional practices. Domasi: Malawi Institute of Education. (Completed)
Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M. (2009). Children's Book Project Evaluation Instruments. Data Collection Instrument. Dar es Salaam: Children's Book Project. (Completed)
Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M. (2009). Children's Book Project Evaluation Instruments. Data Collection Instrument. Dar es Salaam: Children's Book Project. (Completed)
Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2009). Children's Book Project Evaluation Instruments: Administrative Manual for Data Collection. Training Module. Dar es Salaam: Children's Book Project. (Completed)
Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2009). Children's Book Project Evaluation Instruments: Administrative Manual for Data Collection. Training Module. Dar es Salaam: Children's Book Project. (Completed)
Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2009). Children's Book Project Evaluation Instruments: Administrative Manual for Data Collection. Unpublished Training Module. Dar es Salaam: Children's Book Project. (Completed)
Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M. (2009). Ithuba Writing Project Evaluation Instruments. Data Collection Instrument. Pretoria: Department of Education. (Completed)
Sailors, M., Sellers, T. (2008). Comprehension Instruction Observation and Student Strategy Use Observation Protocols Training Module: Learning to Use the Systems. Training Module. San Antonio, TX: The University of Texas at San Antonio. (Completed)
Sailors, M. (2008). Comprehension Instruction Observation Protocol: Capturing the Instructional Comprehension Practices of Classroom Teachers, Grades 2-8 and the Metacognition of their Students. Data Collection Instrument. San Antonio, TX: The University of Texas at San Antonio. (Completed)
Hoffman, J. V., Sailors, M. (2004). The TEX-IN3 (Text Observation, Texts In-use, and Text interview) System. Classroom observation instrument. Austin, TX: The University of Texas at Austin. (Completed)
Sailors, M., Hoffman, J. V. (2003). South African Home Language Initiative: Home Language Assessment. Austin, TX: The University of Texas at Austin. (Completed)
Sailors, M. (2001). TEX-IN3: Text Inventory, Texts In-Use, and Text Interview Training Module. Electronic document and training manual. Austin, TX: The University of Texas at Austin. (Completed)