Diagnostic Teaching of Reading: Techniques for Instruction and Assessment

About Barbara Walker

Barbara J. Walker is professor of reading at Oklahoma State University-Stillwater/Tulsa where she teaches courses in reading difficulties and literacy coaching. Dr. Walker received her Ed.D. from Oklahoma State University in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in reading difficulty. Prior to returning to Oklahoma Dr. Walker was a professor in the Department of Special Education and Reading at Montana State University Billings where she coordinated the Reading Clinic. She was a reading specialist in the elementary schools of Stillwater Oklahoma; organized and taught the college reading program at Vernon Regional Junior College in Vernon Texas; and coordinated the educational program at the Hogar Paul Harris in Cochabamba Bolivia. Dr. Walkers research interests focus on teacher development early literacy intervention reading difficulties and literacy coaching. Her publications include Literacy Coaching: A Collaborative Approach (2010) Techniques for Reading Assessment and Instruction (2005) Supporting Struggling Readers (2003) The Supervisors Handbook for the Reading Team (1998) with Ronald Scherry and Lesley Morrow Tips for the Reading Team (1998) and The Reading Team: A Handbook for K3 Volunteer Tutors (1997) with Lesley Morrow and Interactive Handbook for Understanding Reading Diagnosis (1994) with Kathy Roskos. Dr. Walker received Oklahoma State Universitys Regents Distinguished Professor for Research in 2007 College Reading Associations 1997 A. B. Herr Award for outstanding contributions to reading education and was a distinguished finalist for the International Reading Associations 1991 Albert J. Harris Award for research in reading disabilities. Dr. Walker is a past President (2008-2009) of the International Reading Association an organization that influences over 300000 reading educators worldwide. She is a state national and international professional leader having served on the board of directors of the International Reading Association the College Reading Association the Montana State Reading Council and the Oklahoma Reading Council. Most important to her however is preparing teachers to work with struggling readers. In this capacity she has helped more than 3000 struggling readers improve their literacy.