Researcher Details |

Eithne Kennedy

Contact Details

F124

T:Ext. 9038

E:Eithne.Kennedy@dcu.ie

Associate Professor

F124
T:Ext. 9038

E:Eithne.Kennedy@dcu.ie

Eithne Kennedy is associate professor (Literacy Studies) and Programme Chair of the Master of Education in Literacy Professional Practice (MEdLPP) in the School of Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education.

As the director of the Write to Read research initiative a longitudinal University and School literacy project she also works collaboratively with schools and communities to create powerful literacy environments that motivate and engage children as readers, writers and thinkers. Prior to joining the faculty in 1997, she was a classroom teacher in Dublin and the US where she earned her Masters in Special Education at Fordham University, NYC.

She is the recipient of the International Literacy Association’s Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (2010) and DCU President’s Award for Public Engagement (2014).

She has authored and co-authored several publications in the field of literacy including: Raising Literacy Achievement in High-Poverty Schools: An Evidence-Based Approach (Routledge, US, 2014), and a range of papers on literacy research, policy and practice. Her second book Teaching and Assessing Writing in the Primary School: A Whole School Approach will be published in December 2024 with Routledge, UK. She recently led the largest IoE collaboration to date to deliver a commissioned report and 29 systematic reviews commissioned by the Department of Education to inform the development of the National Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy (DE/DCEIDY, 2024-2033).

She is a past president of the Literacy Association of Ireland and Chair of the LAI Biennial Outstanding Dissertation Subcommittee

Book

	Year	Publication
	2024	Kennedy. E.; Shiel, G. (2024) Teaching and assessing writing in primary school: A whole school approach. UK: Routledge UK.
	2014	Kennedy, E. (2014) Raising literacy achievement in high-poverty schools: An evidence-based approach. [Link] [DOI]

Book Chapter

	Year	Publication
	2024	Kennedy, E.; Shiel, G. (2024) 'IMPROVING THE LITERACY OUTCOMES OF SOCIOECONOMICALLY EXCLUDED STUDENTS: How research can inform policy' In: The Routledge International Handbook of Equity and Inclusion in Education. [Link] [DOI]
	2024	Kennedy, E. (2024) 'Research-informed pedagogies to support communities of readers, writers and thinkers' In: Thoughts, Acts and Meanings: The distinctive nature of Arts Based Learning in Education (ABLE). London : London: Phaidon.
	2018	Shiel, G.; Kennedy, E. (2018) 'Literacy policy and performance on PIRLS 2016 in the Republic of Ireland' In: Teaching initial literacy: Policies, evidence and ideology. Birmingham : Birmingham: Glendale Education.
	2017	Kennedy, E. (2017) 'Transforming literacy outcomes in high-poverty schools: An evidence-based approach' In: Improving Reading and Reading Engagement in the 21st Century: International Research and Innovation. [Link] [DOI]
	2013	Kennedy, E., & Shiel G. (2013) 'Closing the gap through professional development' In: International handbook of research in children's literacy, learning and culture. Sussex : Wiley-Blackwell.
	2012	Kennedy, E. (2012) 'Creating positive literacy learning environments in Early Childhood: Engaging classrooms, creating lifelong readers, writers and thinkers' In: Handbook of Early Childhood literacy (2nd Ed.). London : Sage.

Edited Book

	Year	Publication
	2005	Eithne Kennedy &Tina Hickey (Eds.) (Ed.). (2005) Learning to Read, Reading to Learn. Dublin: Reading Association of Ireland, [Link]

Peer Reviewed Journal

	Year	Publication
	2024	Kennedy, E.; Shiel, G. (2024) 'The implementation of writing pedagogies in the Write to Read intervention in low-SES primary schools in Ireland'. Reading and Writing, 37 . [Link] [DOI]
	2024	Burke, P. & Kennedy, E. (2024) 'Why Do You Think That? Exploring Disciplinary Literacy in Elementary Science, History and Visual Arts'. Reading Teacher, . [Link] https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.2283
	2024	Vaughn, M.; Carbonneau, K.J.; Mameli, C.; Grazia, V.; Solheim, O.J.; Kennedy, E.; Lammert, C.; Arlington, K.; Sæbø, J.U. (2024) 'A cross-cultural perspective of agency in primary contexts: Validation of the student agency profile across multiple sites'. International Journal of Educational Research, 124 . [Link] [DOI]
	2022	Kennedy, E.; Shiel, G. (2022) 'Writing assessment for communities of writers: rubric validation to support formative assessment of writing in Pre-K to grade 2'. ASSESSMENT IN EDUCATION-PRINCIPLES POLICY & PRACTICE, 29 . [Link] [DOI]
	2018	Kennedy, E. (2018) 'Engaging children as readers and writers in high-poverty contexts'. Journal of Research in Reading, 41 . [Link] [DOI]
	2016	Miller, S.; Budde, M.A.; Massey, D.; Korkeamäki, R.; Kennedy, E.; O’Rourke, M.; Korkeamäki, R.L. (2016) 'It Only Looks the Same From a Distance: How U.S., Finnish, and Irish Schools Support Struggling Readers'. Reading Psychology, 37 . [Link] [DOI]
	2015	S. Ellis (2015) 'Book Review: Kennedy, E. Raising literacy achievement in high-poverty schools: An evidence-based approach'. Literacy, 49 (2):112-112.
	2013	Kennedy, E. (2013) 'Literacy Policy in Ireland'. European Journal of Education, 48 . [Link] [DOI]
	2010	Kennedy, E.; Shiel, G. (2010) 'Raising literacy levels with collaborative on-site professional development in an urban disadvantaged school'. Reading Teacher, 63 . [Link] [DOI]
	2010	Kennedy, E. (2010) 'Narrowing the achievement gap: Motivation, engagement and self-efficacy matter'. American Journal of Education, 190 (3):1-11.
	2010	Kennedy, Eithne (2010) 'Improving Literacy Achievement in a High-Poverty School: Empowering Classroom Teachers Through Professional Development'. Reading Research Quarterly, 45 (4). [DOI]
	2023	Vaughn M.; Grazia, V.; Kennedy, E.; Mameli C.; Solheim, O.J. (2023) 'A cross-cultural perspective of agency in primary contexts: Validation of the student agency profile across multiple sites'. International Journal of Educational Research, .

Conference Contribution

	Year	Publication
	2023	Shiel, G.; Kennedy, E.; French, G. (2023) Literacy Association of Ireland Annual Conference Symposium: Effective research-based pedagogies to raise literacy levels in early childhood and primary settings: Lessons from systematic reviews Dublin, .
	2023	Vaughn, M.; Kennedy, E. (2023) Literacy Association of Ireland Annual Conference A cross-cultural perspective of agency in primary contexts: Validation of the Student Agency Profile (STaP) in Ireland and the US Dublin, .
	2022	Burke, P. & Kennedy, E. (2022) 22nd European Conference on Literacy Disciplinary literacy in primary and post-primary schools: Findings from a multi-phase mixed methods study with Irish teachers Dublin City University, Dublin, .
	2022	Kennedy, E.; Shiel, G.; Graham, S.; Skar, G.; Huebner, A (2022) 72nd Annual Literacy Research Association, Crossing boundaries and borders: Symposium: Assessing for change: The potential of formative assessment of writing in elementary school Arizona, .
	2022	Hazzard, D.; Magennis, G.; Kennedy, E. (2022) SCoTens Annual Conference, Reflecting, reconnecting and re-engaging with the core purpose(s) of educ In pursuit of critical literacy: Understanding the experiences of teachers and pupils in Northern Ireland Dundalk, .
	2022	Kennedy, E.; Shiel, G.; Shiel, C.; O’Shea, R; Brett, S. (2022) European Biennial Conference on Literacy, Literacy and diversity: New directions A whole school approach to the teaching and assessment of writing in primary settings: Lessons from the Write to Read project Dublin, .
	2021	Burke, P. & Kennedy, E. (2021) Literacy Association of Ireland Annual Conference Meaningful disciplinary literacy in the senior classes: Insights from a design-based research study Marino Institute of Education, Dublin, 13/11/2021-13/11/2021.
	2019	Kennedy, E., Shiel, G. (2019) Literacy Research Association Conference Exploring Reading and Writing Assessments in International Contexts Tampa Florida, .
	2017	Kennedy, E., Shiel, G., McElligott, N., & O’Shea, R (2017) 20th European Conference Symposium: Developing literacy in high-poverty urban schools: Lessons from the Write to Read project in Ireland Madrid, .
	2017	Kennedy, E., Shiel, G. (2017). (2017) Literacy Research Association International Conference Professional development as a catalyst for empowering teachers to create engaging environments for literacy learning in high-poverty schools Tampa Florida, .
	2017	Kennedy, E., Shiel, G (Ireland) Dombey H., (UK), Ellis., S. & Smith, V (Scotland) (2017) 20th European Conference Symposium: Assessing Literacy in the Primary Years Madrid, .
	2017	Valtin, R. Shiel, G. & Kennedy E., & Schillings, P. (2017) 20th European Conference FELA‒IDEC Symposium: Initial teaching of literacy in European countries with differing orthographies Madrid, .
	2017	Dombey H., Kennedy, E., Shiel, G. Ellis., S. & Smith, V (2017) 20th European Conference Symposium: Assessing Literacy in the Primary Years Madrid, .
	2017	Kennedy, E., Shiel, G. McElligott, N., & O’Shea, R (2017) 20th European Conference Symposium: Developing literacy in high-poverty urban schools: Lessons from the Write to Read project in Ireland Madrid, .
	2016	Kennedy, E (2016) Belfast United Kingdom Literacy Association Key Note Address: Transforming literacy outcomes in high-poverty schools: Lessons from Write Read Belfast, .
	2015	Kennedy, E (2015) Learning Sciences Institute, Brisbane Australia: Invited international symposium: Reading and reading engagement: Data-driven & evidence-based accounts Transforming literacy outcomes in high-poverty schools: An evidence- based approach Brisbane, .
	2014	Kennedy, E. (St. Patrick’s College-Dublin City University), Ivey, G. (University Wisconsin-Madison, US), Cremin, T. (Open University, UK) & Marsh, J. (Sheffield University, UK) (2014) Literacy Research Association International Conference Symposium: Dialogic co-construction of literacy: Empirical examples of what it is and why it matters in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States Dallas, Texas, .
	2014	E. Kennedy, J.Marsh, T. Cremin & G. Ivey (2014) Literacy Research Association Conference Dialogic co-construction of literacy: Empirical examples of what it is and why it matters in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States Florida US, .
	2013	E. Kennedy (2013) Raising Standards in Literacy Conference Raising achievement: An evidence-based approach Belfast, .
	2013	E. Kennedy & G. Shiel (2013) Reading Association of Ireland International Conference Assessing writing in Junior Infants to Second Class Dublin, .
	2013	E. Kennedy & G. Shiel (2013) 18th European Reading Conference Writing development in the Write to Read Intervention Jonkoping Sweden, .
	2013	E. Kennedy & B. Williams (2013) Literacy Research Association Expanding pre-service and in-service teachers’ visions for literacy instruction in the United States and abroad Dallas US, .
	2012	E. Kennedy (2012) Literacy for All: Launch of the Final report of the European Union High Level Group of Experts on Literacy A research-based approach to promoting achievement and engagement in the primary years: Nicosia Cyprus, .
	2012	Kennedy, E. (2012) Growing readers and writers: Research-based practices for the Early Years Barnardos conference focused on literacy in the Early Years Dublin, .
	2011	Kennedy, E. (2011) The Standing Conference on Teacher Education North and South (SCoTENS) 9th annual conference: Promoting Literacy and Numeracy through Teacher Education. Cavan Raising Achievement: What Matters? Cavan, .
	2011	Kennedy, E. (2011) Irish National Teachers Organisation Annual Education Conference, Athlone Envisioning schools where literacy thrives Athlone, .
	2011	Kennedy, E. (2011) Literacy Research Association: Jacksonville, Florida U.S Collaborative professional development: Impacts on teachers’ beliefs and practices. International poster session Jacksonville Florida, .
	2010	Kennedy, E. (2010) 60th Literacy Research Association Annual Conference Investigating the impact of a collaborative professional development intervention on literacy outcomes in a high-poverty urban elementary school Fort Worth Texas US, .
	2009	Kennedy, E. (2009) National Economic and Social Forum, Government Buildings, Dublin Literacy in disadvantaged schools: A research-based approach to underachievement in literacy Dublin, .
	2009	Kennedy, E. (2009) United Kingdom Literacy Association International Conference Improving literacy achievement in a disadvantaged primary school: Empowering classroom teachers through professional development Greenwich, UK, .
	2009	Kennedy, E., Shiel, G., & Marsh, J. (2009) United Kingdom Literacy Association International Conference Symposium presentation: Closing the literacy achievement gap through collaborative professional development: Policy and practice in Ireland and the UK Greenwich, UK, .
	2009	Kennedy, E. (2009) 16th European Reading Conference Improving literacy achievement in disadvantaged primary schools through a research-based approach to intervention Braga, Portugal, .
	2009	Kennedy, E. (2009) 33rd Annual Reading Association of Ireland Conference, Literacy in the 21st Century: Perspectives, Challenges and Transformations, St. Patrick’s College, Dublin Lessons from a school where literacy thrives: Transforming outcomes through a research-based approach to underachievement Dublin, .
	2016	Eithne Kennedy (2016) United Kingdom Literacy Association Conference Belfast Transforming literacy outcomes in high-poverty schools: Lessons from Write Read Belfast, .
	2015	Eithne Kennedy (2015) Reading and reading engagement: Data-driven & evidence-based accounts Invited symposium Brisbane Australia, .

Published Report

	Year	Publication
	2023	Kennedy, E., Shiel, G., French, G., Harbison, L., Leahy, M., Ó Duibhir, P., & Travers, J. (2023) Towards a New Literacy, Numeracy and Digital literacy Strategy: A review of the Literature. Department of Education, . [Link] https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/256086/907a34c9-f95d-4cf1-af52-35589b066d8e.pdf#page=null
	2023	Dwyer, B., Burke, P. & Kennedy, E. (2023) Pedagogical strategies, approaches and methodologies to support disciplinary literacy at primary and post-primary level. Department of Education, .
	2022	Shiel, G.; French, G.; Kennedy, E.; McCormack, M. (2022) Outcomes of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy in relation to DEIS in early childhood education, primary and post-primary settings. Department of Education, . [DOI]
	2022	Kennedy, E; Concannon-Gibney, T.; Dwyer, B. (2022) Pedagogical strategies, approaches and methodologies to support literacy in the primary school: A review of the literature. Department of Education, . [DOI]
	2022	Bakken, A.M., Walgermo, B.R., Uppstad, P.H, Teixeira, M, Lourenço, M., Pinto, D., Dooly, M., Fontich, X., Roelofs, E., Kennedy, E. & Burke, P (2022) AILIT [Artificial Intelligence in Literacy Network] Background and Literature Review. University of Stavanger, . [Link]
	2022	Kennedy, E.; Shiel, G. (2022) Addressing achievement gaps between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged students in primary and post-primary schools: A review of recent international research. Department of Education, . [DOI]
	2022	Shiel, G.; French, G.; Kennedy, E.; McCormack, M. (2022) Outcomes of the national literacy strategy in relation to DEIS in early childhood education, primary and post-primary. Report Commissioned by the Department of Education, .
	2019	Kennedy. E & Shiel, G. (2019) Writing Pedagogy in Senior Primary School: Knowledge, Skills and Process for Writing. National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, .
	2012	Kennedy, E., Dunphy, E., Dwyer, B., Hayes, G., McPhillips, T., Marsh, J., O’Connor, M., & Shiel, G. (2012) Literacy in Early Childhood and Primary Education (Children Aged 3-8 Years). Commissioned Research Report. NCCA, . [Link]
	2009	E. Kennedy (2009) Improving literacy in disadvantaged schools: Policy and implementation issues: Commissioned research paper. National Social and Economic Forum, .

Guidelines for Practice

	Year	Publication
	2016	Kennedy, E. (2016) Supporting parental involvement in literacy. Dublin: GFP
	2016	Kennedy, E. (2016) Guided reading in a balanced literacy framework. Dublin: GFP
	2015	Kennedy, E. (2015) Writing workshop in a balanced literacy framework. GFP
	2015	Kennedy, E. (2015) Developing vocabulary in a balanced literacy framework. Dublin: GFP
	2015	Kennedy, E. (2015) An Cheardlann Scríbhneoirachta. Dublin: GFP

Podcast

	Year	Publication
	2012	Kennedy, E. (2012) Literacy in Early Childhood and Primary Education: Children aged 3-8 Years. Dublin: PODCAST
	2021	Kennedy E. & Taylor-Whiteway, S. (2021) Creating Literacy Environments to Build Readers, Writers and Thinkers. London: PODCAST [Link]

Professional Associations

Association	Function	From / To
International Literacy Association	Member	-
Literacy Research Association	Member	-
Literacy Association of Ireland	Member	-
American Educational Research Association	Member	-
Children's Books Ireland	Member	-

Honors and Awards

Date	Title	Awarding Body
01/06/2016	Naughton Fellowship to University of Notre Dame	Notre Dame University Indiana US
01/01/2014	President’s Award for Public Engagement	DCU
01/01/2011	Tatler Woman of the Year Public Life Award	Tatler
01/01/2010	Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award	International Literacy Association
01/05/2017	Dobbin Atlantic Research Fellowship: Ireland Canada University Foundation	Ireland Canada University Foundation

Committees

	Committee	Function	From / To
	Department of Education Steering Committee for the National Literacy/Digital Literacy and Numeracy Strategy		20/10/2023 -
	STEAM advisory group to the Department of Education		01/01/2019 - 31/12/2021
	Literacy Association of Ireland: Past President/Treasurer		01/01/1998 - 31/12/2023
	International Literacy Association Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Committee		25/05/2012 - 23/05/2015
	National Council for Curriculum and Assessment Junior Primary Language Development Group		-
	Literacy Research Association Research Subcommittee		01/01/2011 - 31/12/2014

Enterprise Engagement

Year	Engagement Type	Client	Description
2021	Continuous Professional Development/Training	IoE and Education Centres: Drumcondra, Carrick-on-Shannon, Cork, Sligo	3 Webinars: Engaging Children as Writers: Getting Started on Writing Workshop; Successful Mini-lessons; Writing Non-Fiction
2021	Continuous Professional Development/Training	IoE and Education Centres: Drumcondra, Carrick-on-Shannon, Cork, Sligo	DE approved summer course: Literacy in the Classroom: Insights from Write to Read
2020	Continuous Professional Development/Training	IoE and Education Centres: Drumcondra, Carrick-on-Shannon	DE approved summer course: Literacy in the Classroom, Insights from Write to Read
2017	Continuous Professional Development/Training	IoE and Poetry Ireland	2nd Biennial Write to Read Young Writers Academy
2016	Continuous Professional Development/Training	Irish National Teachers Association Write to Read Summer Course	Summer Course: Write to Read
2015	Continuous Professional Development/Training	Write to Read, Poetry Ireland, Community Foundation of Ireland	Young Writers' Academy: Writing Workshops with Siobhán Parkinson, Brian Gallagher, Sarah Webb, Terry McDonagh

Outreach Activities

Year	Engagement Type	Organisation	Description
2021	Presentations/Talks to an external audience	Emotional Curriculum Podcast Series	Podcast with Dr. Sarah Taylor-Whiteway: Creating Literacy Environments to Build Readers, Writers and Thinkers
2021	Presentations/Talks to an external audience	Mason, Hayes, Curran and SIFI: Engage and Educate	Fireside Chat Online: Impact of Social Innovation Fund Ireland Grant on Write to Read project.
2021	Presentations/Talks to an external audience	Literacy Association of Ireland: LAI Connects Webinar Series: Teaching and Assessing Writing in the Primary School: Eithne Kennedy and Gerry Shiel	webinar
2019	DCU in the Community	Dublin City University	Presentation: Reading and Literacy: Engaging Children as Readers, Writers and Thinkers
			2012-2014: Served on the Adjudication Panel: Imaginosity Children's Museum: Writing Competition 3-9 year olds

Media

Title	Year	Type	Authors
Write to Read	2012	Documentary	Brian Gallagher
A Way with Words	2013	Newspaper article (Print)	Alex Meehan
Wicked writing lessons for children	2013	Newspaper article (Print)	Louise Holdenl

Research Interests

Collaborative research with schools to implement research-informed balanced literacy frameworks for literacy instruction that motivate and engage children as readers, writers and thinkers
Creativity and literacy across the Arts Disciplines
Disciplinary literacy
Early intervention
Investigation of effective approaches to improving achievement in literacy in disadvantaged contexts
Collaborative professional development, whole school change processes and literacy
Literacy policy and implementation issues

Research Projects

Title	Role	Description	Start date	End date
AiLIT	Collaborativ e research	This research project explores the potential of an AI driven digital platform to promote children's (age 8-12) motivation for reading and writing in Ireland, Norway, Portugal and Spain. It also examines children’s awareness of artificial intelligence in age-appropriate ways.	01/01/2022	31/12/2025
Towards a new literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy	Principal Investigator	Commissioned by the Department of Education: reviews of research (early childhood, primary, post primary) to underpin the redevelopment of the national literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy; 40 academics in the Institute of Education	01/01/2021	31/12/2023
In Pursuit of Critical Literacy: Understanding the Experiences of Teachers and Pupils in Northern Ireland	Co-PI	Evaluation of a critical literacy project with Dr. Hazzard , St. Mary's Belfast.	17/01/2022	30/06/2023
Long term impact of Covid school closures on literacy teaching and learning	Irish PI	Collaborative Research: Long-term impact of Covid school closures on literacy teaching and learning	01/09/2022	31/12/2024
Write to Read Longitudinal Research Project	Principal Investigator	Multiple strands of research exploring literacy underachievement, motivation and engagement, professional development and whole school approaches to literacy	17/01/2016	01/01/2024
Leveraging Dialogic Literature Circles to Develop Children’s Engagement and Literacy Skills in Write to Read Partner Schools	Principal Investigator	This research focuses on extending previous research (case studies in Write to Read Partner Schools) on the potential of dialogic literature circles in senior classes of primary school to develop children's motivation, agency and reading comprehension. Through professional learning communities, teachers in new Write to Read partner schools are supported to further develop their expertise in facilitating dialogic literature circles, in analysing recorded discussions and monitoring impact on children’s literacy development and engagement	01/01/2023	31/12/2025
Using the Write to Read Writing Rubric Formatively to Enhance Children's Writing in DEIS Schools	Principal Investigator	This strand of the Write to Read Research Project focuses on how teachers in partner schools utilise the recently validated Writing Rubric to enhance writing quality within daily Writing Workshops in classrooms and across the whole school.	01/01/2023	31/12/2025

External Collaborators

Type	Name	Company	Role
External	Dr Gerry Shiel	Educational Research Centre	Academic
External	Dr. Donna Hazzard	St. Mary's Belfast	Academic
External	Dr. Jane O Hanlon	Poetry Ireland	Academic
External	Federation of European Literacy Associations: SIG: Early Literacy	Federation of European Literacy Associations	Academic

Teaching Interests

Research-informed balanced literacy instruction
Workshop approaches to literacy
Writing pedagogy and assessment

Role of motivation, engagement and agency in literacy development

Developing creativity and imagination

Disciplinary literacy
Whole school approaches to literacy
Change processes
Teacher education: initial teacher education and continuing professional development
Parental involvement in literacy

Modules Coordinated

Term	Title	Subject
2022	Develop and Sustain Literacy Leadership	EC422
2022	Disciplinary Literacies 1: Arts	EC908
2022	Literacy Education 4	ED4053
2022	Literacy Education in the Early Years	ED1021
2022	Developing the Writer in the Reader	EC323
2022	Literacy Leadership	EC910
2022	Writing Development	EC907
2022	Reading Development	EC906
2022	Literacy in the Early Years	EC904