LLA Purpose

To provide support for individual members and support groups by:

• Providing and encouraging the formation of whole language support groups.
• Facilitating networking among members/groups through the journal, Talking Points, and the Delegates Assembly at the LLA Literacies for All Summer Institute.
• Providing a forum for discussion and joint action on common issues and concerns.
• Identifying local groups for individuals interested in joining.
• Sanctioning local and regional meeting and conference activities.
• Sponsoring national and international meetings and conferences.
• Publishing and distributing books, articles, and other materials which support whole language.
• Supporting and defending whole language educators and practices.

To improve the quality of learning and teaching at all levels of education by:

• Encouraging the study of the whole language philosophy in all aspects through:
  • high-quality teacher education programs that include in their curriculum whole language theory, research, and strategies;
  • staff development programs; and
  • self-study programs in teacher support groups.
• Promoting whole language teaching;
• Promoting and critiquing whole language policies, curricula, and frameworks:
  • at federal and state/provincial levels; and
  • at local education agency and school levels;
• Stimulating and promoting research in whole language;
• Publicizing whole language and its benefits to the profession and the public;
• Disseminating information on whole language to teachers, administrators, school decision makers, parents, and others participating in the development of whole language education; and
• Facilitating collaboration among teachers, researchers, parents, administrators, and teacher educators in the development of whole language.