"Teaching children and adults to read, write, and comprehend is not only our essential duty and investment in America's future; it is also an act of love."
– John Corcoran

Literacy News and Articles

Important news updates!

An article on John Corcoran's story, the Foundation, and his two books will be featured in USA Today (Education section) in the next few weeks. Don't forget to pick up your copy!

Articles

"Corcoran Builds a 'Bridge to Literacy'"

By Greg Toppo
USA TODAY
December 2, 2008
This article talks about the "call to action" for literacy efforts and reading programs. K-12 schools and universities must train principals and teachers — especially new teachers — in the most up-to-date, research-based reading instruction.

"Lessons Learned -
A Mother and Teacher's Quest to Effectively Teach Every Child to Read"

Excerpt from soon-to-be-published book From Learning Disabled to Enabled by Wendy Crick.

Click on the links below to read each lesson.
Lesson #1: Turn your anger into a passion.
Lesson #2: The lack of reading skills is a symptom not a condition.
Lesson #3: Think big and look for answers in new places.
Lesson #4: The need for engagement versus compliance.
Lesson #5: The need for quality remediation rather than accommodation.
Lesson #6: Empowering students
Lesson #7: Shift from grade level expectations to reaching ones highest potential.
Lesson #8: Exchange excuses for answers.
Lesson #9: Separate self from the system.
Lesson #10: Change is the only constant in our universe.

"Overcoming Illiteracy"

Radio interview with Dr. Robin Smith on Oprah and Friends
October 2008
Listen to John's interview "Overcoming Illiteracy" with Dr. Robin Smith on Oprah and Friends (plus a follow-up show "Stop Hiding Secrets")

"From Non-Reader to Acclaimed Author, John Corcoran Keeps Turning Pages"

by B. Denise Hawkins
Catalyst - October 2008
Read John's interview by B. Denise Hawkins in the National Institute for Literacy newsletter, Catalyst. See pages 6-8.

"Toppling Adult Illiteracy"

Radio interview with Michel Martin, NPR
October 2008
In this "Behind Closed Doors" conversation – devoted to subjects that are hard to talk about, the things we often keep hidden – John Corcoran discusses his personal story and includes suggestions for combating illiteracy.

"The Importance of Literacy"

Podcast interview on Think with Krys Boyd
KERA Radio, North Texas - Sept 17th 2008
How important is the ability to read and write? We'll talk this hour with John Corcoran who graduated from high school and college and went on become a teacher - all while functionally illiterate.

"When words fail: How Rotary is helping Johnny (and Jenny) read"

by Jeff Cade
The Rotarian - March 2008

"Retired Teacher Reveals He Was Illiterate Until Age 48"

by Charisse Yu
San Diego News 10 - February 11, 2008

"Group Takes on Illiteracy in New Mexico"

by Pat Lohmann
New Mexico Daily Lobo - September 8, 2008

"When Older Students Can't Read"

by Louisa C. Moats, Ed.D.

"Why John Can Read"

by Bill Owens
San Diego Magazine - August 2000
John Corcoran had made it. He was graduated from college, taught high school for 17 years and made millions in real estate and land development. And he accomplished all that despite a hidden handicap: Corcoran was illiterate.