A Lifelong Dedication to Literacy

From her revolutionary dissertation “Emergent Reading Behaviors” in 1966 to nationally and internationally acclaimed 2005 books, Literacy Lessons Designed for Individuals, throughout her years as a cognitive psychologist, university professor, teacher, Marie M. Clay conducted research to better understand how children think and learn and how to effectively teach struggling students to read and write. Throughout her life, Marie read widely, listened carefully, and closely observed children and teachers at work. Because of her acquaintance with so many fields of study, she enabled us to enter the worlds of literacy, language, psychology, neuroscience, and education.
-Carol Lyons
These resources have been collected to share the life, history, work and influence of Marie Clay on early literacy education and Reading Recovery:
THE JOURNAL OF READING RECOVERY
Spring 2023
The Science of Reading Era: Seeking the “Science” in Yet Another Anti-Teacher Movement by Paul Thomas
Understanding Marie Clay’s Perspective on Phonics by Mary Anne Doyle
Selection of Children for Reading Recovery: Challenges and Responses by Mary K. Lose and Eva Konstantellou
Let’s Talk About It: The Composing Conversation by Jamie Lipp
A Report of National Outcomes for Reading Recovery and Descubriendo la Lectura by Susan Mauck, Kate Nelson and Lisa Pinkerton