A&M International Prof Named President of Texas Association of Reading Professors

Dr. Idalia Rodriguez Perez, Texas A&M International University associate professor of reading, has been elected incoming president of the Texas Association of Reading Professors (TARP), a special interest group of the Texas State Reading Association (TSRA) and International Reading Association (IRA).

Dr. Perez, chair of the department of curriculum and instruction of the University's College of Education, began her term June 1. It continues through June 2001.

TARP members are dedicated to supporting reading instruction across the State.

Perez said the group considers itself the leading advocacy group for quality professional development, primarily through the services of both TSRA and IRA.

"Among our efforts are the creation of projects and programs in support of the America Reads Challenge, advocating for research on reading at all levels in the education community and establishing and strengthening alliances with a wide range of organizations that share our advocacy of literacy," Perez explained.

Among Perez' principal charges will be planning, recruiting, motivating and coordinating efforts in reading throughout the State and helping to develop the TSRA 2001 Conference in Dallas.

In addition to her membership in TARP, TSRA and IRA, Perez served as associate editor of the BRI Journal and is currently a member of the Editorial Board of the Reading Teacher Journal and State of Reading Journal.

A member of the A&M International faculty since 1995, she holds her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her M. Ed. and B.S. were both earned at Texas Woman's University.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Perez at 326.2678, visit offices in Killam Library 335A or email to idrodriguez@tamiu.edu

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu