Mission and Goals

The Mission

The mission of the International Reading Association is to promote reading by continuously advancing the quality of literacy instruction and research worldwide.

The Goals

Professional Development

• Enhance the professional development of reading educators worldwide
• Organize and support IRA Councils and Affiliates as networks of reading educators
• Promote a broad view of literacy
• Help educators to improve the quality of literacy instruction through publications and conferences
• Prepare educators to assume different roles as reading professionals
• Provide leadership in the continuously changing nature of reading in a digital age

Advocacy

Advocate for research, policy, and practices that support the best interests of all learners and reading professionals

• Foster life-long literacy habits
• Promote high quality teacher and student learning to improve reading instruction
• Keep policy makers informed about IRA’s positions
• Develop policy and position statements
• Provide members with background information and resources
• Collaborate with national and international policy makers

Partnership

• Establish and strengthen national and international alliances with a wide range of organizations
• Work with governmental, nongovernmental, and community agencies; businesses, industries, and donors
• Develop and support IRA councils and affiliates around the world