Awards

Benita A. Blachman Award for Advancing Evidence Into Practice

The Benita A. Blachman Award for Advancing Evidence Into Practice was developed in honor of Dr. Benita Blachman, Professor Emeritus, Syracuse University. Beginning her career as a special education teacher and reading specialist, Dr. Blachman was dedicated to studying the science of reading, including the educational and neurophysiological impact of evidence-based interventions. Her research focused on factors that predict reading achievement and on early intervention to prevent reading failure. Her work was widely cited in the National Reading Panel Report (2000) that helped to establish an evidence-based model for early reading intervention. 

As a professor in the School of Education at Syracuse University for 35 years, Dr. Blachman influenced the next generation of educators through her research and frequently recruited graduate and post-graduate students to serve in roles necessary for executing her studies. Many founding members of The Reading League had the privilege to study under and work alongside her. It is no small coincidence that we remained in touch and ultimately joined together. Where we were once striving to make a difference in our respective work environments, reuniting to advance the knowledge and passion we gained from Benita’s tutelage was the inspiration for The Reading League. It is for this reason that we conceived of the idea for the Benita A. Blachman Award.

The Reading League’s Meaningful Impact in Education Award

This award is presented to an organization whose contributions have made a significant impact, nationally or globally, in the field of reading education. Awardees have a proven track record of dedication to the science of reading and fully align with the mission of The Reading League.