[Reading-hall-of-fame] Re: IRA Update

[DAVID REINKING]

I can confirm this news about Anne Fullerton’s departure, and I echo Donna’s sentiments.  In my view, this news is more than just another loss of a long-time employee.  Anne Fullerton has been a critical element to the success of IRA’s publication program, especially its journals and its online presence and activities.  It is difficult for me to imagine anyone replacing her who is as well versed on issues pertaining to professional publishing, as professional, as  smart and savvy, as strong in editing and production knowledge, and who has been, in my experience, a voice of thoughtful reason when that quality has been lacking within IRA.

Her decision to leave IRA says more to me about its bleak situation and near-term prospects for recovery than any of the other decidedly discouraging developments reported.  It is even more poignant because I know that her position at IRA was also well suited to her personal situation and family responsibilities.  For her to leave, things must be bad indeed, and I fear for the viability of the IRA journals.

Beyond the cuts reported in Jack’s message, it is my understanding that IRA has cut substantially its package for RRQ editors in its recently initiated search for the next editorial team, which again Anne was apparently coordinating.  Most noteworthy, editors of RRQ have been provided IRA funds to hire a full-time Editorial Associate.  Apparently, that position has been cut along with other support in the past package provided to the editors.  The effect of these cut, the loss of Anne Fullerton, and the loss of other in-house support is likely to have a substantive effect on the scope and quality of RRQ and IRA’s other journals, and is a major setback to any of its online activities, which it needs more than ever to remain viable in today’s world of digital information.

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David Reinking
Eugene T. Moore Professor of Teacher Education
Past-President, Literacy Research Association

Clemson University
418 Tillman Hall
Clemson, SC 29634

E-mail: reinkin at clemson.edu
Voice:  864-656-0565
FAX:    864-656-3022







On 2/19/11 10:55 PM, "donna alvermann" <dalverma at uga.edu> wrote:

I've just learned that Anne Fullerton, long-time staff member at IRA, has elected to leave for another position. Her last day at IRA will be this coming Friday. I'll miss her.

Donna



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