Email/helpdesk: projectstar@kratoslearning.com
Phone: 1-866-691-STAR (7827)
Address: Kratos Learning Solutions 2920 South Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22206
Kratos Learning Solutions provides training operational support, strategic management, coordination, and oversight of all services in the Network.
Leading researchers in reading and adult education, and professionals with extensive experience in training and technical assistance complete the team.
Mary E. Curtis is an educational consultant, professor of education, and founding director of the Center for Special Education at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the lead author of the STAR Tool Kit and spearheads program evaluation activities for the National STAR Training Network. Before joining Lesley University, she was the director of the Boys Town Reading Center, associate professor of education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and associate director of the Harvard Reading Laboratory. Mary earned her Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, and she conducted postdoctoral work at the Learning Research and Development Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Laura Bercovitz has worked in professional development in adult education and family literacy for more than 24 years. She currently works at the Adult Learning Resource Center in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where she and her colleagues are developing and implementing an evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) professional development and implementation plan for adult education programs funded by the Illinois Community College Board. In addition to delivering STAR training in Illinois, Laura designs additional EBRI training for adult education program administrators, instructors, and other staff. Laura also serves as a STAR coach, assisting candidates in the STAR certification process.
Becki Lemke has worked in adult education for more than ten years. She is currently the education coordinator for Cornerstones Career Learning Center in Huron, South Dakota. Under Becki's leadership, the Cornerstones Adult Education & Literacy Program has been recognized for meeting all performance measures twice in three years and for piloting numerous adult education initiatives in the areas of data management, program enrollment, and workplace programming. At Cornerstones, Becki has designed curriculum units that incorporate scientifically based reading practices into each of the Center’s adult education and GED preparation classes. She also has developed and presented numerous training programs at the state, regional, and national levels and has served as a STAR coach, observing and mentoring reading instructors from five programs. Becki holds bachelor’s degrees in English and secondary education from Buena Vista University in Iowa.
Laurie Martin has worked in adult education for more than 25 years, serving as a professional developer, program administrator, and an instructor in English as a second language and adult basic education. As a professional development specialist with the Adult Learning Resource Center in Arlington Heights, Illinois, she currently is involved in developing and implementing a statewide evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) initiative for Illinois. Laurie delivers STAR training, EBRI training, and technical assistance for program administrators and instructors. In addition, for the past three years, she has been teaching a STAR class for an adult education program in Arlington Heights. Laurie holds a master's degree in applied linguistics/TESL from Northeastern Illinois University.
Jane Meyer began her work in Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) in 1990 as a volunteer tutor, and served as a family literacy teacher and Even Start facilitator. She is currently the ABLE coordinator for Canton City Schools in Ohio. Under Jane's direction, the Canton ABLE program has earned several state and national awards. Jane was a member of the National Institute for Literacy's (NIFL) Reading Research Working Group. She participated on NIFL's design team to develop reading training for family literacy programs based on scientifically based reading research and Equipped for the Future (EFF). Jane has served the STAR project in many roles, including as a member of the national STAR planning team, STAR Tool Kit developer, STAR trainer, STAR coach, and administrator of a local STAR pilot program. Jane holds a master’s degree in curriculum and supervision from Miami University in Ohio.