Research Agenda

Over the course of the 2008-2009 academic year, the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development (CCLD) developed a comprehensive research agenda that aims to influence policy and practice in ways that improve the literacy of Kentuckians. In order to determine Kentucky's greatest education research needs, CCLD staff sought input from numerous experts and stakeholders in the state and nation. Development of the research agenda involved a multi-layered approach to examining research needs grounded in an exploration of two overarching questions:

  • What do we know about Kentuckians' literacy achievement/attainment?
  • What new knowledge is needed to improve Kentuckians' literacy achievement/attainment?

A think tank of state and national literacy researchers and Kentucky department of education personnel convened to consider these questions. During the first think tank meeting, participants examined state assessment data on the literacy of Kentuckians, early childhood through adulthood. Based on those data, the think tank identified important topics of study that will advance the state in the area of literacy. Identified topics included (a) family/community, (b) decision-makers/leaders, (c) teacher preparation, (d) data/student achievement, (e) school or program context, (f) school or program content, (g) school or program resources.

A survey was administered to teachers, administrators, parents, legislators, and community members in which respondents prioritized research topics and identified new topics for study. Four-hundred-eight stakeholders responded to the survey. Of the identified topics, stakeholders ranked teacher preparation as the top priority for study, followed by family/community, data/student achievement, school or program content, school or program resources, and school or program context, respectively. In addition, teacher educators provided additional feedback on the identified topics and suggested specific areas and questions for study.

At a second meeting, the think tank used the stakeholder feedback to prioritize and narrow the research topics. The think tank identified four key research topics for the agenda:

  1. Teacher preparation
  2. Family and community
  3. Data/student achievement
  4. School and program content 

The group then used the state-level data and existing body of literacy research to draft a rationale for including the topic in the research agenda. Finally, the group developed specific research questions for each topic.

Future steps in developing the research agenda include securing funding for the agenda, conducting research studies supported by the agenda, and disseminating study results to educators and policymakers.