Author Harvey “Smokey” Daniels to Speak at Valparaiso University Conference Feb. 14

Valparaiso University’s Professional Educators Partnership (PEP) and the education department announce its 2017 conference, “Subject Matters, Powerful Content Area Reading,” featuring internationally renowned literacy expert and author Harvey “Smokey” Daniels.

Daniels’ keynote presentation will be based on his book “Subjects Matter, Exceeding Standards through Powerful Content Reading.” Attendees will learn how to ensure their students understand, remember, and apply the content they read in social studies, science, math, foreign language, and language arts. Presentations will focus on engaging and interactive instructional, research-based best practices that lead to students’ deeper comprehension of more complex text.

Participants will discover how to extend the curriculum by supplementing textbooks with real-world nonfiction text from print and internet sources; examine how smart readers think and how skilled writers compose; explore mini lessons to support students before, during, and after reading and writing; and learn how to use a textbook more effectively and less often.

Sponsored by the Middle Level Professional Educators Partnership (PEP), the conference targets teachers and administrators in grades five to 12. The event will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Harre Union from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. (CST). Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration is required.

Those interested in attending the conference are encouraged to register before Jan. 25 to qualify for a discounted rate of $100 per person. Group discounts are available. Additional information and materials are available at valpo.edu/education/profdev/conferences. If you have additional questions, please contact Laurie Snell, director, at laurie.snell@valpo.edu or 219.464.6734.