Mark Seidenberg, author of “Language at the Speed of Sight,” to be Keynote Speaker

Mark Seidenberg, author of “Language at the Speed of Sight: How We Read, Why So Many Can’t, and What Can Be Done About It,” will deliver the keynote address at the The Reading League’s First Annual Conference to be held on Friday, October 27, at the Hampton Inn in Cazenovia.

Seidenberg is Vilas Professor and Donald O. Hebb Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Senior Scientist at Haskins Laboratories.

Seidenberg’s research is concerned with “basic questions about the nature of language and how it is acquired, used and represented in the brain,” according to his university website. “My main interest is in how reading skill is acquired by children, and the causes of dyslexia (reading impairments). I am also committed to exploring how the science of reading can contribute to improved educational performance; as part of that effort I am studying the persistently low reading achievement of minority children, many of whom are from low-income backgrounds.”

The Reading League was founded in 2015 by Maria S. Murray, PhD, associate professor at the State University of New York at Oswego in the curriculum and instruction department. The Reading League is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based reading instruction and assessment.

“We are excited to be welcoming Mark Seidenberg as our keynote speaker in Cazenovia,” said Murray. “The speakers presenting at breakout sessions have been chosen from throughout the country (and even Australia) and the sold-out crowd of teachers, administrators and parents will be traveling from throughout Central New York and beyond as well.”

Cazenovia residents, Sheila Clonan and Kelli Johnson, serve as board members for The Reading League.

“In addition to the conference of over 300 people, The Reading League is hosting a post-conference reception, in Empire Farmstead Brewery’s new sour cellar,” said Johnson. “This will be a great opportunity for attendees to meet Seidenberg, as well as special guest, John Corcoran, author of ‘The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read.’”

For more information on The Reading League, visit thereadingleague.com. The organization offers free professional development in live events every other month in the Syracuse area and makes the content from these events available online to all members. Membership in The Reading League is free.