How did Turtle Commons Press and the Up With Reading ™ series begin?
Many of the Up With Reading ™ stories are based on real people, places and events. The idea for these special books that support students who are learning how to read sprang from the experiences of Dr. Katherine Minton. Early in her career she was puzzled about why some very bright 2nd and 3rd graders were struggling with reading. She was concerned about what would happen to them if their reading skills didn’t improve soon.
This experience led Katherine to pursue graduate studies as a reading specialist. She learned that reading problems may have multi-faceted causes and went on to complete master’s and doctoral degrees in the field of educational diagnostic assessment. She continues to work with students of all ages who experience a variety of academic difficulties.
Katherine loves to teach reading and has written stories with controlled repetitive vocabulary, in easy-to-read font, when she could not find the right reading material for a student. Parents, tutors and teachers have asked her to recommend controlled vocabulary readers that are high-interest, low readability and visually friendly. Many say that they have searched unsuccessfully for fun chapter books that are the right fit for their struggling students. Reviewing recent research and talking with classroom teachers, professional tutors, and learning disabilities specialists, Katherine decided to create the Up With Reading ™ series.
Professional Credentials
Katherine Minton, PhD, M.S.Ed, is a graduate of Union Institute and University, Baylor University and Coe College. She is a certified educational diagnostician, with advanced interdisciplinary training in the multiple issues that affect learning success. Katherine has teacher certification in four areas, including Bilingual/ESL, with additional graduate training as a reading specialist.
Watch for the new Up With Reading ™ series
Summer 2019