Quatroche named to lead state reading association

Diana Quatroche, an Indiana State University associate professor of education, was recently named the executive director of the Indiana State Reading Association (ISRA), which will move to Indiana State University this summer.

Quatroche has been at Indiana State University since 1998 and currently serves as the chairperson for the elementary, early, and special education department.

The Indiana State Reading Association supports local reading councils, provides conferences and programs, seeks legislation that supports good reading practices and gives an opportunity for reading professors to work with P-12 educators from throughout the state.

“Students and teachers, as members of the organization, have access to research that supports the latest developments in literacy instruction,” said Quatroche. “The organization also supports professional development, curriculum reforms and classroom innovation in support of literacy.”

As the executive director, Quatroche will be the official spokesperson for the organization in coordination with its president. She will provide support to state officers and committee chairs as well as work with the state coordinator, president, membership director, and administrative assistant. She will also be called upon to facilitate annual conferences and update members on state and local council information.

“With the leadership now available from Indiana State University's College of Education, the number of councils will grow, along with membership.” said Jack Humphrey, director of the Middle Grades Reading Network at the University of Evansville and member of ISRA. “Indiana State also has the capacity to provide an excellent Web site, something that has been missing in the past. All of this will help make the Indiana State Reading Association a more powerful force in the state.”

Quatroche and her department colleagues’ have provided outreach opportunities in the Terre Haute community through reading tutoring programs. Reading Corps, the department’s longest running program, is offered in conjunction with the Vigo County Library. Also, in its second year, a reading initiative offered after school to second-grade students is provided through the professional development schools with plans for expansion. Her work has included 58 local, state, national and international presentations, numerous books and refereed journal articles, more than 14 intra- and extramural grants and the development of standards for reading specialists.

Quatroche was awarded the President’s Medal, the university’s highest award for faculty, in April for her distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the university. President Lloyd W. Benjamin III described her as having “devoted and continues to devote her time and expertise to serve her discipline and kindergarten-12 schools using the proficiency she has developed through research and teaching and in recognition of her leadership in the field of literacy.”

-30-

Contact: Diana Quatroche, Indiana State University, chairperson and associate professor of elementary, early and special education, 812-237-2821 or dquatroche@isugw.indstate.edu

Writer: Derick Lawrence, Indiana State University, media relation intern, at 812-237-3773 or at dlawrence5@mymail.indstate.edu

Photo: http://ISUphoto.smugmug.com/photos/137839496_rPY2X-D.jpg

Cutline: Diana Quatroche