On Saturday, February 24, the University of Houston-Victoria School of Education and Human Development will host a literacy conference in conjunction with the Mid-Coast Reading Council. The event will be held in the UHV Multi-Purpose Room from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Titled “21st Century Literacy: Books and Beyond,” the conference will feature several speakers including a welcoming address from Dr. John Stansell, dean of the School of Education and Human Development. Lisa Frase, a second-grade teacher from Clear Creek Independent School District, will give the keynote address. In 2006, the Texas Council for Teachers of English named Frase Elementary Teacher of the Year. She has a master’s degree in reading from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and is a National Writing Project teacher-consultant. Topics to be explored at the conference include reading strategies to promote comprehension; technology and literacy development in multiple disciplines; the role of special education in reading; and literacy and cultural variation. The event is designed to be of use to educational professionals as well as others, such as parents who homeschool their children and community members interested in learning more about literacy. “We are looking forward to again welcoming so many dedicated teachers to UHV,” said President Tim Hudson. “Conferences that promote the exchange of ideas and advancement of knowledge are an important part of UHV’s mission as a teaching institution. I’m pleased that the Mid-Coast Reading Council decided to return to UHV based on the success of last year’s conference.” The Mid-Coast Reading Council is the regional affiliate of the Texas State Reading Association. Founded in 1971, TSRA works to improve the level of literacy quality in the state of Texas through promoting research and advancement in reading instruction. The event is free to TSRA members and costs $5 for non-members. For more information on the conference or the Mid-Coast Reading Council, contact Dr. Steve Trowbridge at (361) 570-4269.