Research and teaching interests center on early adolescence and sociocultural dimensions of literacy learning. Work focuses on how social roles constrict and enable particular literate practices within and beyond the classroom. Currently studying literacy and female adolescent offenders in an alternative middle school. Received the National Council of Teachers of English Promising Researcher Award. Studies literacy in secondary schools, especially in-service and preservice teachers' beliefs and practices about content area literacy.
Research is based on sociocultural, political and cultural aspects of secondary literacy.
Has studied and written papers about literacy education in elementary and middle schools. Was a teacher and remedial reading specialist in Catholic schools for 11 years. On editorial review boards of The Reading Teacher, a journal of the International Reading Association, and Literacy, Teaching and Learning. Won a national award for research on literacy. Has special interest in partnerships between business and education and has researched adult literacy problems.