Karessa V. Morrow, an ELL (English Language Learners) instructor at Wedgwood Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, has published her first book Ring the Bell: Literacy Is Everyone’s Problem, which addresses the literacy gap among students. She will host a book signing 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the Maryland Heights Community Center, 2300 McKelvey Rd.
Ring the Bell: Literacy Is Everyone’s Problem is written for administrators, educators, reading specialists, literacy specialists, academic instructional coaches, counselors, social workers, school psychologists and parents. Morrow said that one of the most vexing problems confronting educators is helping students read on grade level.
A veteran educator, Morrow shares her own story of how she rallied teachers, parents, community members, and students to tackle low reading achievement in an urban elementary school where she served as principal. She also offers a blueprint for how educators and parents can utilize best practice strategies to improve reading achievement.
“After high school graduation, K-12 students, regardless of where they come from and where their career paths lead, will be expected to read more complex texts, do more with different types of texts, and handle larger amounts of reading,” said Morrow.
“Ensuring that all students acquire the literacy skills they need to compete and thrive in the world they will face is a moral imperative for educators, policymakers and families. Failing to live up to this imperative is simply not an option.”
Ring the Bell: Literacy is Everyone’s Problem offers proven strategies for helping students to read on grade level. Morrow takes an unflinching look at how poverty hurts children, families, and communities. She provides reading tips on how to improve reading achievement of economically disadvantaged students.
“Individuals will find this book to be an insightful resource that addresses the root causes of low reading achievement and provides practical tools on how to change the trajectory for low performing students,” said Morrow.
Morrow is a 30-year education veteran. She has experience as a principal, assistant principal, literacy coach, and a reading specialist. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University in St. Louis. She has received numerous awards including the Pettus Award of Excellence, which recognizes principals for inspiring students and staff to perform at high levels in academic achievement, and the Peabody Energy Leader in Education award, which honors dedicated educators who inspire and motivate youth to succeed. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
“I believe literacy is a civil right,” Morrow said, “and that educators must accept the challenge to ensure all children are able to read on grade level.”
Morrow’s book is available through her website, www.kmorrowconsulting.com. She will host a book signing from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the Maryland Heights Community Center, 2300 McKelvey Rd., 63043.
