Linda Kucan
Department of Instruction and Learning
5113 Posvar Hall
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-648-7348
[email protected]
EDUCATION
West Virginia University
West Virginia University
Carnegie Mellon University
University of Pittsburgh
B. A.
M. A.
B. S.
Ph. D.
History
Elementary Education
Technical Writing/Editing
Cognitive Studies in
Education: Reading/Writing
1970
1974
1979
1998
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
University of Pittsburgh
Department of Instruction and Learning
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Appalachian State University
Department of Language, Reading, and Exceptionalities
Assistant Professor
Teachscape, online professional development company
Literacy Content Specialist
Bethany College
Department of Professional Studies
Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh
Learning Research and Development Center
Graduate Research Assistant
Macmillan/McGraw-Hill School Publishing Company
Vice President, Editorial Director
Reading, Social Studies
Van Nostrand Reinhold Company
Professional and Reference Books
Manuscript Editor
Teacher: Grades 1-8
Linda Kucan
Curriculum Vitae
May 2017
1
2011-present
2005-2011
2001-2005
2000-2002
1997-2000
1993-1997
1980-1993
1979-1980
1970-1979
AWARDS
Outstanding Teaching Award
Reich College of Education
Appalachian State University
2003
Faculty Member of the Year Award
Bethany College
1999
Finalist: International Reading Association
Dissertation of the Year Award
1999
Finalist: National Reading Conference
Student Research Award
1998
CURRENT EDITORIAL AND ADVISORY BOARDS
Impacting Education
Journal of Education
Reviewer
Literacy Research and Instruction
Reading Research Quarterly
Review of Educational Research
GRANTS
Principal Investigator
The Iterative Design of Modules to Support Reading Comprehension Instruction
L. Kucan & A. S. Palincsar (2008-2012)
Institute of Education Sciences (IES) ($1,387,000).
Using Innovative Video Technology to Transform the Preparation of Literacy Teachers
S. Scott & L. Kucan (2009)
University of Pittsburgh’s Office of the Provost’s Innovation in Education Awards
Program ($15,000)
The Effects of Differentiated Tasks on Learning from Text: L. Kucan (2007-2009)
Verizon Foundation ($17,000)
Consultant
George Lucas Education Fund grant, Multiple Literacies in Project-Based Learning
secured by J. Kracjik, A.S. Palincsar, & E. Miller. (2014-2017)
Linda Kucan
Curriculum Vitae
May 2017
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PUBLICATIONS
JOURNAL ARTICLES
2017
Kucan, L., Cho, B.Y., & Han, H. (revise and resubmit). Introducing the historical thinking practice of
contextualizing to middle school students. The Social Studies.
Rissling, K., & Kucan, L. (revise and resubmit). Negotiating practicum experiences in a reading
specialist preparation program. Literacy Research and Instruction.
2016
Kucan, L., & Boliha, J. (2016). The language of science: Addressing the linguistic challenges of
science texts. The Science Teacher,83(3), 54-59.
2013
Scott, S. E., Kucan, L., Correnti, R., & Miller, L. A. (2013). Using video records to mediate
teaching interns’ critical reflection. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 21(1),
119-145.
Morris, D., Trathen, W., Frye, E. M., Kucan, L., Ward, D., Schlagal R., & Hendrix M. (2013).
The role of reading rate in the informal assessment of reading ability. Literacy Research
and Instruction, 52, 52-63.
2012
Kucan, L. (2012). What is most important to know about vocabulary? The Reading Teacher.
65(6), 360-366.
Morris, D., Trathen, W., Lomax, R., Perney, J., Kucan, L., Frye, E., Bloodgood, J., Ward, D., &
Schlagal, R. (2012). Modeling aspects of print processing skill: Implications for reading
assessment. Reading and Writing, 25, 189-215.
2011
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (2011). Text-based discussion: The case of reading. Teachers
College Record, 113(12), 2989-2922.
Kucan, L., & Brydon, M. (2011). The effects of differentiated tasks on focusing student
attention to important science content. Vol. 10. Electronic Journal of Literacy Through
Science. http://ejlts.ucdavis.edu
Kucan, L., Hapgood, S., & Palincsar, A. S. (2011). Teachers’ specialized knowledge for
supporting student comprehension in text-based discussions. The Elementary School
Journal, 112(1), 61-82.
Kucan, L. (2011). Approximating the practice of writing the dissertation literature review.
Literacy Research and Instruction, 50, 229-240.
Morris, D., Bloodgood, J., Perney, J., Frye, E., Kucan, L., Trathen, W., Mock, D., & Schlagal, R.
(2011). Validating craft knowledge: An empirical examination of elementary-grade
students’ performance on an informal reading assessment. The Elementary School
Journal, 112(2), pp. 205-233.
Linda Kucan
Curriculum Vitae
May 2017
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2010
Heisey, N., & Kucan, L. (2010). Introducing science concepts to primary students through
read-alouds: Interaction and multiple texts make the difference. The Reading Teacher,
63(8),666-676.
2009
Kucan, L. (2009) Engaging teachers in investigating their teaching as a linguistic enterprise:
The case of comprehension instruction in the context of discussion. Reading
Psychology,30(1),51-87.
Kucan, L., Palincsar, A. S., Khasnabis, D., & Chang, C. (2009). The Video Viewing Task: A
source of information for assessing and addressing teacher understanding of textbased discussions. Teaching and Teacher Education, 25, 415-423
2007
Kucan, L. (2007). Insights from teachers who analyzed transcripts of their own classroom
discussions. The Reading Teacher, 61(3), 228-236.
Kucan, L. (2007). “I” poems: Invitations for students to deepen literary understanding. The
Reading Teacher, 60(6), 518-525.
Kucan, L., Trathen, W. R., & Straits, W. J. (2007). A professional development initiative
for developing approaches to vocabulary instruction with secondary mathematics, art,
science, and English teachers. Reading Research and Instruction, 46(2), 175-195.
2006
Kucan, L. (2006). An interview with Edmund Burke Huey. The California Reader, 39(4), 46-49.
2003
Kucan, L., & Beck, I. L. (2003.) Inviting students to talk about expository texts: A comparison
of two discourse environments and their effects on comprehension. Reading
Research and Instruction, 42(3), 1-31.
1998
Beck, I. L, McKeown, M. G., Hamilton, R. L., & Kucan, L. (1998). Getting at the meaning: How to
help students unpack difficult text. American Educator, 22(1 & 2). 66-71, 85.
1997
Kucan, L., & Beck, I. L. (1997). Thinking aloud and reading comprehension research:
Inquiry, instruction, and social interaction. Review of Educational Research, 67(3), 271299.
1996
Kucan, L., & Beck, I. L. (1996). Four fourth graders thinking aloud: An investigation of
genre effects. Journal of Literacy Research, 28(2), 259-287.
Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., Sandora, C., Kucan, L. & Worthy, J. (1996). Questioning
the Author: A year-long implementation to engage students with text. The Elementary
School Journal, 96(4), 387-416.
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Curriculum Vitae
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BOOKS
2013
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (2013). Comprehension instruction through text-based discussion.
Newark, DE: International Reading Association.
Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., & Kucan, L. (2013). Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary
instruction (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford.
2008
Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., & Kucan, L. (2008). Creating robust vocabulary: Frequently asked
questions and extended examples. New York: Guilford.
2002
Beck, I. L, McKeown, M. G., & Kucan, L. (2002). Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary
instruction. New York: Guilford.
1999
McKeown, M. G., Beck, I. L., Hamilton, R. L., & Kucan, L. (1999). “Questioning the
Author” accessibles: Easy-access resources for classroom challenges. Bothell, WA: The
Wright Group.
1997
Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., Hamilton, R. L., & Kucan, L. (1997). Questioning the Author:
An approach for enhancing student engagement with text. Newark, DE: International
Reading Association.
EDITED VOLUMES
2010
McKeown, M. G., & Kucan, L. (Eds.). (2010). Bringing reading research to life. New
York: Guilford.
Stein, M. K., & Kucan, L. (Eds.). (2010). Instructional explanations in the disciplines. New York:
Springer
CHAPTERS
2013
Kucan, L. (2013). Vocabulary instruction. In B. M. Taylor and N. K. Duke (Eds.), Handbook
of effective literacy instruction: Research-based practice K-8 (pp. 279-297). New York:
Guilford Press.
2011
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (2011). Locating struggling readers in a reconfigured landscape:
A conceptual review. In M. L. Kamil, P. D. Pearson, E. B. Moje, & P. Afflerbach (Eds.),
Handbook of reading research (Vol. IV, pp. 341-358). New York: Routledge.
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2008
Kucan, L. (2008). Multigenre reading/writing in the content areas. In D. Lapp, J. Flood, & N.
Farnan (Eds.). Content area reading and learning (3rd ed.) (pp. 515-535). Mahwah, NJ:
Erlbaum.
2007
Palincsar, A. S., Spiro, R. J., Kucan, L., Magnusson, S. J., Collins, B., Hapgood, S., Ramchandran,
A., DeFrance, N., & Gelpi-Lomangino, A. (2007). Research to practice: Designing a
hypermedia environment to support elementary teachers’ learning of robust
comprehension instruction. In D. S. McNamara (Ed.), Reading comprehension
strategies: Theory, interventions, and technologies (pp. 441-462). Mahwah, NJ:
Erlbaum.
Kucan, L., Lapp, D., Flood, J., & Fisher, D. (2007). Instructional resources in the classroom:
Deepening understanding through interactions with multiple texts and multiple media.
In L. Gambrell, L. M. Morrow, & M. Pressley (Eds.), Best practices in literacy
Instruction (3rd ed.) (pp. 285-312). New York: Guilford.
2001
Kucan, L. (2001). Transcript analysis project (TAP): An opportunity for student teachers
to engage in practical inquiry into classroom discussion.
National Reading
Conference Yearbook: Vol. 50 (pp. 346-355). Chicago, IL: National Reading Conference.
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS
2017
Palincsar, A. S., Kucan, L., Baker Marcum, M., & Fitzgerald, M. (April 2017). Approaches for using
texts to advance literacy and science learning. In Integrating literacy and science to
promote equitable opportunities for project-based learning, symposium presented at the
annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Antonio, TX.
2016
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (November 2016). Text analysis: Critical component of specialized
knowledge for comprehension instruction. Roundtable presentation at annual conference
of the Literacy Research Association, Nashville, TN.
Kucan, L., & Rimbey, M. (December 2016). Implementation of a cross-content area vocabulary
intervention in an urban middle school. Paper presentation at annual conference of the
Literacy Research Association, Nashville, TN.
2013
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (April 2013). Comprehension instruction through text-based
discussion. Invited address for the annual conference of the International Reading
Association, San Antonio, TX.
Linda Kucan
Curriculum Vitae
May 2017
6
2012
Kucan, L., & Strop, J. (June 2012). Comprehension through discussion. I n vit e d ad d re s s f o r
University of Wisconsin Reading Research Symposium, Madison, WI.
Kucan, L. (June 2012). Building teachers’ specialized knowledge for comprehension in textbased discussions. Invited address for Boston University Summer Literacy Institute,
Boston, MA.
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (May 2012). Supporting specialized knowledge building for
teaching reading comprehension. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the
International Reading Association, Chicago, IL.
2011
Kucan, L., Palincsar, A. S., Deltoro, V., Rimbey, M., & Busse, T. (December 2011). An
investigation of teachers’ representations of comprehension instruction and assessment.
Roundtable presentation at the annual meeting of the Literacy Research Association,
New Orleans, LA.
Palincsar, A. S., & Kucan, L. (April 2011). Learning to support student thinking in the context of
text-based discussion. In Teacher candidates learning to anticipate, elicit, interpret, and
facilitate student thinking: High-leverage practices for teaching, symposium presented
at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New Orleans,
LA.
2010
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (December 2010). Assessing specialized knowledge for text-based
discussion: Multiple methods and measures. Symposium presented at the annual
meeting of the National Reading Conference/Literacy Research Association, Fort Worth,
TX.
Heisey, N., Kucan, L., Palincsar, A. S., & Rimbey, M. (December 2010). Text analysis: A critical
component of specialized content knowledge for comprehension instruction.
Roundtable presented at the annual meeting of the National Reading
Conference/Literacy Research Association, Fort Worth, TX.
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (June 2010). Using design-based research to improve materials,
specific to reading comprehension instruction, for teacher educators. Poster
presentation at the annual Institute of Education Sciences Research Conference,
Washington, DC.
Kucan, L. (May 2010). Learning vocabulary with Martha. In Martha Speaks: How a dog, a
book, and a television program can impact oral vocabulary development, symposium
presented at the annual meeting of the International Reading Association, Chicago, IL.
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Curriculum Vitae
May 2017
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Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (May 2010). Text-based discussion: The case of reading. In Crossdisciplinary investigations of the preparation of teachers to enact discussions: Exploring
a theoretical frame, symposium presented at the annual meeting of the American
Educational Research Association, Denver, CO.
Kucan, L., & Scott, S. (February 2010). Designing teacher education: Modules and models. Preconference workshop presented at the annual meeting of the National Council of
Teachers of English Assembly for Research, Pittsburgh, PA.
Scott, S., & Kucan, L. (February 2010). Using innovative video technology to transform the
preparation of literacy teachers. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Atlanta, GA.
2009
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (June 2009). Designing teacher education curricula to support the
development of high-leverage practices in comprehension instruction. Poster
presentation at the annual Institute of Education Sciences Research Conference,
Washington, DC.
Kucan, L., & Brydon, M. (December 2009). The effects of differentiated tasks on learning from
science texts. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Reading
Conference, Albuquerque, NM.
2008
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (December 2008). Designing teacher education curricula to
support the development of high-leverage practices in comprehension instruction.
In Characterizing and supporting the development of knowledge for teaching reading
comprehension, symposium presented at the annual meeting of the National Reading
Conference, Orlando, FL.
Brydon, M., & Kucan, L. (December 2008). An analysis of suggested instructional
approaches for science selections in fifth grade basal reading programs. Roundtable
presented at the annual meeting of the National Reading Conference, Orlando, FL.
2007
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (December 2007). Locating struggling readers in a reconfigured
landscape: A conceptual review. Preconvention Institute presentation at the annual
meeting of the National Reading Conference, Austin, Texas.
Kucan, L. (December 2007). Poetic informational texts in contemporary children’s literature: An
investigation of literary and linguistic features. Roundtable presentation at the annual
meeting of National Reading Conference, Austin, Texas.
Hapgood, S., Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (May 2007). Examining the Comprehension and Learning
from Text Survey (CoLTS). In Investigating the knowledge of reading needed to teach
elementary students to read: The role of conceptualization, measurement, and evidence,
symposium presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research
Conference, Toronto, Canada.
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Curriculum Vitae
May 2017
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2006
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (December 2006). The theoretical and empirical rationale for the
design of the Comprehension and Learning from Text Survey (CoLTS) and the video
viewing task. In The design and validation of measures of teachers’ pedagogical content
knowledge for teaching information text comprehension, symposium presented at the
annual meeting of the National Reading Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
Palincsar, A., Kucan, L., Khasnabis, D., & Chang, C. (December 2006). Examining pedagogical
content knowledge for reading comprehension instruction: Initial results from a video
viewing task. In The design and validation of measures of teachers’ pedagogical content
knowledge for teaching information text comprehension, symposium presented at the
annual meeting of the National Reading Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
2005
Kucan, L. (July 2005). Vocabulary development for nonfiction reading and writing. Invited
address at the National Geographic Literacy Conference, Washington, DC.
Hapgood, S., Palincsar, A., Kucan, L., & Magnusson, S. (April 2005). Investigating a new measure
of teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge for teaching informational text
comprehension. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational
Research Association, Montreal, Canada.
Kucan, L. (December 2005). Assessing reading fluency and concomitant abilities in second, third,
and fourth grade readers. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the National
Reading Conference, Miami, FL.
Kucan, L. (May 2005). Use of video cases to explore effective use of text in science instruction:
Animal communication. In Using text as an invitation to think in scientific ways,
preconvention institute presented at the annual meeting of the International Reading
Association, San Antonio, TX.
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Kucan, L., & Palincsar, A. S. (October 2013). Comprehension instruction through text-based
discussion: Addressing the Common Core State Standards for close reading and
synthesizing evidence. Professional development sessions and webinar for Delaware
Department of Education.
Kucan, L. (2008). Vocabulary instruction and assessment. Professional development session for
Iowa Department of Education.
Kucan, L. (2006). Reader’s Theater: Motivating reading fluency through performance. ACT 48
Workshop. Frick Art & Historical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.
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Curriculum Vitae
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MEMBERSHIP
American Educational Research Association
International Reading Association
Literacy Research Association
SELECTED UNIVERSITY SERVICE
University of Pittsburgh
School of Education
EdD Committee (2013-present)
Promotion and Tenure Committee (2015-present)
Department of Instruction and Learning
Co-Chair, Language, Literacy, and Culture Doctoral Committee (2013-present)
Chair, DIL Doctoral Committee (2011-2014, 2015-2016)
Program Coordinator of Reading Education (2008-2011)
SELECTED COURSES TAUGHT
IL 2211
IL 2218
IL 3013
IL 3014
Comprehension and Vocabulary
Literacy Practicum with Adolescent Students
Critical Readings in Language, Literacy, and Culture: Part II
Theoretical Perspectives in Language, Literacy, and Culture: Part I
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Curriculum Vitae
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CHAIR OF DISSERTATION COMMITTEE
2017
Michelle Cianciosi-Rimbey, EdD
An Investigation of a Cross-Content Academic Vocabulary Intervention in an Urban Middle
School
Charles Herring, EdD
Dispositions for Teaching in High-Need Schools: An Investigation of Program Preparation
and Student Perceptions
Alicia Smail, EdD
An Investigation of an Academic Vocabulary Intervention for Upper Elementary Students
Who Struggle with Reading
Tamika Thomas, EdD
Engaging Teachers in a Book Club to Discuss Issues of Cultural Diversity
2016
Lori Ann Kenavey, EdD
A Longitudinal Investigation of Content, Resources, and Instructional Approaches in a
Basal Reading Series within a Research and Policy Context
2013
Kathleen A. Ramos, PhD
Assistant professor, George Mason University
Teaching Persuasive Argument Essay Writing to Adolescent English Language
Learners through the Reading to Learn Approach
2011
Anna Arlotta-Guerrero, PhD
Clinical assistant professor, University of Pittsburgh
An Investigation of English Language Learner Instruction and Learning in an Urban District
in Transition
Virginia Hall Chambers, EdD
Assistant professor, Point Park University
The Representation of Other Cultures in Award-Winning Picture Books from the United
States, Australia, and Great Britain
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2010
Melissa M. Brydon, PhD
The Effect of Rich Instruction on the Vocabulary Acquisition of Dual Language Learners
Donald R. Wilson, EdD
Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh Bradford
An Investigation of the Effects of Genre on Student Learning from Informational Text
2009
Natalie D. Heisey, EdD
Assistant professor, Geneva College
Reading Aloud Expository Texts to First-and Second-Graders: A Comparison of the Effects
on Comprehension of During- and After-reading Questioning
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Curriculum Vitae
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Linda Kucan
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