By Emmie Meeks
On September 26th, our research team along with Dr. Joy Erikson and Robbi & Matthew, presented at the first-ever Busload of Books Online Conference. The event consisted of three one-hour presentations, first from the research team, followed by Dr. Erikson, and concluding with Robbi & Matthew. With over 100 registered attendees from across the country, the evening was filled with wonderful discourse surrounding the research, the experience, and the kids! If you weren’t able to tune in, or if you just want to hear these wonderful presentations again, we have provided recordings of each session, which include the presentation and a Q&A with each of the presenters for your viewing pleasure. We are also providing a brief recap of each session here on the blog!
Drs. Sara Clarke-De Reza, Bridget Bunten, and Nick Garcia kicked off the online conference with background on the research project, a summary of the research findings, and our anticipated next steps.
The questions that founded the project: What do we know about book access, author/illustrator visits, and literacy enrichment experiences in Title 1 school communities? How can we use the Busload of Books opportunity to conduct quantitative, student-focused, and (semi) longitudinal research that supports these advocacy efforts?
The question our research set out to answer: What are the impacts of a one-time author and illustrator visit and book giveaway on the literacy attitudes and motivations of students in Title 1 eligible schools?
What we found: Students who participated in the Busload of Books assembly and book giveaway showed immediate improvement in literacy motivation.
Be sure to check out the conference video to find out more information about our research methods, specific data, implications, broader impacts, and next steps, as well as the Q&A with Dr. Clarke-De Reza, Dr. Bunten, and Dr. Garcia!
View the slides from our presentation here:
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