A National Network for Advancing Adolescent Literacy
The Adolescent Literacy Alliance (ALA) is a new initiative from the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR), designed to connect and empower educators, researchers, and leaders who are passionate about improving literacy outcomes for adolescent learners.
Our Mission
The Adolescent Literacy Alliance was established to:
- Foster collaboration among literacy advocates across the U.S.
- Spark meaningful dialogue around adolescent literacy challenges and solutions.
- Share research-informed, evidence-based practices that support adolescent readers.
Dr. Laurie Lee (left), Dr. Kevin Smith (right)
Meet the Founders
The ALA is led by Dr. Laurie Lee and Dr. Kevin Smith, Senior Research Associates at FCRR. With nearly two decades of experience in adolescent literacy, Dr. Lee and Dr. Smith have worked extensively across Florida and the Southeast to support literacy improvement efforts. Their vision for a national network emerged from conversations with colleagues who identified a critical need for a dedicated space focused on adolescent literacy.
What We Do
Through virtual meetings, newsletters, and collaborative events, the ALA provides:
Infographics and Tools
Including a visual summary of the IES/WWC Practice Guide: Improving Adolescent Literacy—Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices.
Professional Learning
Featuring resources like the Self-study Guide for Implementing Literacy Interventions in Grades 3–8.
Community Engagement
Opportunities to connect with peers across states to share strategies and success stories.
Above: Dr. Kevin Smith and Dr. Laurie Lee facilitated the Improving Adolescent Literacy Practice Guide series with high school science and social studies teachers in Seminole County, Florida. This collaborative effort provided invaluable insights and practical strategies to enhance literacy outcomes among adolescents
Recent Highlights
First Meeting (May 6):
Over 30 participants from 15 states joined to explore the Improving Adolescent Literacy infographic in the context of a science lesson.
Upcoming Topics:
Future sessions will cover areas of interest such as academic discourse and literacy leadership.
Summer 2025 Engagements
Dr. Lee and Dr. Smith will be working with educators at several events, including:
- Seminole County Public Schools Adolescent Literacy Training
- PAEC Summer Content Area Literacy Teacher Conference
- Summer Literacy Institute
- Regional Literacy Institute (Florida DOE)
- Heartland Educational Consortium Summer Leadership Conference
Get Involved
Interested in bringing Dr. Lee and Dr. Smith to your school, district, or state? Reach out to them directly:
Dr. Laurie Lee - llee@fcrr.org
Dr. Kevin Smith - ksmith@fcrr.org
