The broad goals of the center consist of the following:

(1) Form an organization of literacy researchers in the College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park.

(2) Contribute to the field of literacy at the national level by

• interpreting and synthesizing research on the following topics:

• processes of literacy,

• development and learning of literacy,

• classroom contexts that facilitate the learning and use of literacy,

• instructional programs that contribute to literacy development,

• assessment and testing of literacy

• teacher education in literacy and

• literacy learning and instruction for minority students.

(3) Conduct multi-disciplinary analyses of important problems facing the profession of education by utilizing the expertise of Center members.

(4) Communicate fully within the Center by exchanging research, progress, perspectives, and emerging questions.

(5) Provide an institutional and professional identity for faculty, students, and administrators interested in literacy research at the University of Maryland, College Park.

(6) Provide opportunities for doctoral students to gain knowledge of current research issues, funding practices, and implications of research for policy.

(7) Create team-based research projects among the members of the Center. 

(8) Afford the College of Education recognition for the exceptionally productive literacy researchers on the faculty.