Professor
Department of Teaching & Learning

Abha Gupta

757-683-6074

3112 EDUCATION BUILDING
NORFOLK, 23529

Dr. Abha Gupta is a Professor of Language and Literacy Education at Old ֱ University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level courses and is also the Graduate Program Director for Reading Education Program. Gupta has previously been a Title One Reading Specialist at an elementary school and subsequently served as the director of the Reading Center and the America Reads Program at the university. Gupta has numerous publications in the fields of literacy and language education in some of the leading journals.

Her research includes literacy learning in culturally diverse environments and innovative interventions to promote literacy (see ). Her publications have appeared in several leading journals related to literacy and teacher education. She has also co-edited two books on educational issues for at-risk population & on empowerment of women and language.

Dr. Gupta has been an active member of the International Literacy Association (ILA), having served on its multiple special interest groups as well as on the National Commission on Urban Diversity, the National Title One Committee of ILA, and the National Commission on Urban Initiatives in Education. Dr. Gupta has also co-chaired the Diversity Learning Committee and the Diversity Learning and Multiculturalism Committee of ILA.

She serves on the editorial review board of an international refereed journal, as a reviewer for multiple journals, and has been the recipient of nearly one million dollars in grants for service and research. Gupta has made numerous presentations at national and international conferences; she has been a visiting scholar at ETS, Princeton and Stanford University; and also consulted for various educational organizations.

Ph.D. in Language, Reading and Culture, The University of Arizona, (1991)

M.S. in Linguistics, The University of Arizona, (1988)

M.Phil. in Linguistics, University of Delhi, (1985)

B.S. in Linguistics, University of Delhi, (1982)

M.A. in Linguistics, University of Delhi, (1982)

Contracts, Grants and Sponsored Research

Lee, G. and Gupta, A. "Big Read" $20,000. -
Gupta, A. and Yang, X. "" $250,000. -
Diawara, N. and Gupta, A. "Preparing High School Students to be Ready for Statistical Majors: Characteristics and Perceptions.”" $11,900. -
Gupta, A., Lee, G. and Kersey, K. C. "US DOE Migrant Education Even Start grant" $897,436. Federal. -
Al-Hazza, T. C., Fleener, C. E. and Gupta, A. "Reading First Teacher Academy " $80,000. State. - 2007
Al-Hazza, T. C., Fleener, C. E. and Gupta, A. "Reading First Teacher Academy " $80,000. State. - 2006
Mukkamala, R., Gupta, A. and Myran, S. "Integrating reading/science into the core area for grades 4-8 teachers" $187,195. Federal. 2005 - 2006
Gupta, A. "No Child Left Behind Title II, Teacher Quality Improvement Grant" $132,193. 2005 - 2006
Mukkamala, R., DeBate, R. and Gupta, A. "Health education technology: Increasing the capacity among dental practitioners in the secondary prevention of eating disorders" $17,000. Old ֱ University. 2005 - 2005
Gupta, A. "America Reads, Federal Work Study Grant" $39,000. 2004 - 2005
Gupta, A. "America Reads, Federal Work Study Grant" $54,000. 2003 - 2004
Gupta, A. "Beazley-I" $75,000. 2001 - 2004
Gupta, A. "America Reads Federal Work Study Grant" $54,000. 2002 - 2003
Gupta, A. "America Reads Federal Work Study Grant " $53,892. 2001 - 2002
Gupta, A. "America Reads, Federal Work Study Grant" $32,000. 2000 - 2001
Gupta, A. "America Reads, Federal Work Study Grant" $70,000. 1999 - 2000
Gupta, A., Ndahi, H. and Bowers, R. "GTE-Links Virginia For Literacy" $175,000. 1998 - 2000
Gupta, A. "People Who Read Achieve" $500. - 1999
Gupta, A. "America Reads, Federal Work Study Grant" $70,000. 1998 - 1999
Gupta, A. "Integrating Technology in the Reading Practicum" $3,050. - 1998
Gupta, A. "“The Development of Online Training Package for America Reads Challenge Tutors.” " $2,700. - 1998
Gupta, A. "•Wal-Mart Gift to Reading Center at Darden College of Education" $1,898. - 1998
Gupta, A. "America Reads, Federal Work Study Grant" $70,000. 1997 - 1998
Gupta, A. "Tutor and Child Together (TACT)" $45,000. 1992 - 1994

Expertise

Literacy
Diversity
Language Learning and Development
Struggling Learners
ESL/ELL Learners
Innovative and Unconventional Interventions
Multiculturalism
Teacher Preparation

Research Interests

Language and literacy development-- Pre-Kindergarten-Middle School, linguistic diversity, language dialect, ESL/ELL students, preservice and inservice teachers' training and perceptions, music and literacy, intervention programs.

Articles

Sharma, S. Ann., Kasten, W., Smolen, L., Gupta, A. and Kidd, J. (2020). Diversity Issues in Literacy Teacher Education. Journal of Contemporary Research In Education 7 (1) , pp. 67-106.
Lee, G. and Gupta, A. (2020). Raising Children to Speak Their Heritage Language in the USA: Roles of Korean Parents. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 521-531, July 2020 (Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 521-531, July 2020).
Lee, G. and Gupta, A. (2020). Raising Children to Speak Their Heritage Language in the USA: Roles of Korean Parents. . Journal of Language Teaching and Research 11(4) , pp. 521-531.
Gupta, A. and Lee, G. The Effects of a Site-based Teacher Professional Development Program on Student Learning. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education June 2020, Volume 12, Issue 5, 427-438 (June 2020, Volume 12, Issue 5, 427-438).
Gupta, A. and Lee, G. (2020). The Effects of a Site-based Teacher Professional Development Program on Student Learning. . Elementary Education, 12(5), 427-438. DOI: 10.26822/iejee.2020459460 12(5) , pp. 427-438.
Gupta, A. (2019). Principles and Practices of Teaching English Language Learners. International Education Studies Volume 12, No. 7, 49-57 , pp. Volume 12, No. 7, 49-57.
Britt, m. and Gupta, A. (2017). Effect of a Mindful Breathing Intervention on Community College Students’ Writing Apprehension and Writing Performance. Community College Journal of Research and Practice.
Oboler, E. and Gupta, A. (2010). Emerging Theoretical Models of Reading through Authentic Assessments among Preservice Teachers: Two Case Studies.. Reading Matrix 10(1) 79-95 Reading Matrix 10(1) 79-95 , pp. Reading Matrix 10(1) 79-95.
Gupta, A. (2010). I don’t know nothing about teaching students who use double negatives: The big grammar use questions for teachers. . Labyrinth: The literary journal of post modernism 1 (1) 81-88. , pp. 81-88.
Gupta, A. (2010). Elementary School Teachers' Beliefs about African American English: Assessing teacher needs from a teacher preparation programmatic perspective. The Reading Matrix: An International Online Journal.

Presentations

Fleener, C. E., Al-Hazza, T. C. and Gupta, A. ( ). Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Gupta, A. ( 2019). Principles and Practices of Teaching English Language Learners. Bangkok, Thailand.
Gupta, A., Maira, S. and Smita, S. (January 4, 2011). Differential Impact of Breathing Exercises on Students’ Academic Performance and Reading Tests First International Conference: Yoga for Health and Social Transformation, India India.
Gupta, A. and Sinha, S. ( 2010). Impact of breathing exercises on reading tests. Read.Write. Act. National Conference (SCALE), UNC, Chapel Hill .
Gupta, A. (April 28, 2010). Analysis of teachers' theoretical orientation to reading with respect to public and private schools in India International Reading Association Chicago.
Gupta, A. (March 13, 2010). Targeting Content Area Strategies for ESL / ELL learners VSRA Virginia Beach.
Gupta, A. and Sinha, S. (November 5, 2009). The Language Factor in Literacy Instruction Read.Write.Act. 2nd Annual Virtual COnference (Nov 4-6, 2009) Virtual Online.
Gupta, A. and Sinha, S. (February 22, 2009). Reading Attitude and Gender study of Preschoolers in India International Reading Association Phoenix, Arizona.
Gupta, A. (July 28, 2008). Language Dialect and Educational Achievement in Elementary Schools International Conference on Literature, Languages and Linguistics Athens, Greece.
Gupta, A. (May 7, 2008). Investigating Teachers' Perceptions and Needs Concerning African-American English (AAE) International Reading Association Atlanta, Georgia.
Gupta, A. (April , 2008). Elementary School Teachers' Beliefs About African American English: assessing teacher needs from a teacher preparation programmatic perspective Research Expo Norfolk, VA.
Al-Hazza, T. C., Fleener, C. E., Hager, J. and Gupta, A. ( 2007). Assessing literacy knowledge, Perceptions and beliefs of primary teachers: A longitudinal study Salt Lake City, Utah.
Al-Hazza, T. C., Fleener, C. E. and Gupta, A. ( 2007). Assessing Literacy Knowledge, Perceptions, and Beliefs of Primary Teachers College Reading Association Salt Lake City.
Gupta, A. ( 2007). Investigating In-service Teachers' Perceptions and Needs Concerning African American Vernacular English (AAVE) with respect to Reading .
Gupta, A. ( 2007). Issues involving reading and African American English in the classroom Roanoke, VA.
Gupta, A., Taylor, H., Nelson, L. and Bell, C. ( 2006). Building Teacher Capacity in Grades 4-8 through Collaboration Virginia Beach, VA.
Gupta, A. ( 2006). Karaoke: A motivational tool for literacy Chicago.
Gupta, A. and Oboler, E. ( 2006). Teacher capacity building in high-need schools Columbia, S.C.
Lee, G., Gupta, A. and Williams, C. ( 2004). Children’s Literacy Development across three different cultures The United States of America, Korea, and India Manila, Philippines.
Gupta, A. ( 2004). Team-teaching and No Child Left Behind Law Implications .
Gupta, A. ( 2003). On Literacy 25th Annual Literary Festival .
Lee, G. and Gupta, A. ( 2003). Evidence Based Reading First Programs No Child Left Behind Conference Norfolk, VA.
Fleener, C. E. and Gupta, A. ( 2003). Pre-Service Teacher Special Session: Can we talk? Roanoke, VA .
Gupta, A. and Tolson, B. ( 2003). School-wide reading initiatives supported by Reading Excellence Act Grant and Beazley Foundation Roanoke, VA.
Gupta, A. ( 2002). Linking Reading Instruction to Assessment 10th Annual Mid-Atlantic Symposium Virginia Beach, VA.
Oboler, E. and Gupta, A. ( 2002). Changing Teachers’ Roles San Francisco, CA.
Oboler, E. and Gupta, A. ( 2002). Interpretations of Preservice Teachers’ Awareness of Students’ Reading Strategies: Two Case Studies Reflections on Literacy and Diversity at the 52nd Annual National Reading Conference Miami, Florida.
Gupta, A. ( 2002). Teachers’ Voices San Francisco, CA.
Gupta, A. and Hammond, B. ( 2001). Urban Diversity Initiatives Commission: IRA Sanibel Island, Florida.
Al-Hazza, T. C. and Gupta, A. (February , 2001). Training of Volunteer Tutors for Assistance with Reading Skills 34th Annual Conference Arlington, VA.
Al-Hazza, T. C. and Gupta, A. (February , 2001). Training of Literacy Volunteers in Your School 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Symposium Virginia Beach, VA.
Gupta, A. ( 2000). America Reads Challenge Programs Scottsdale, Arizona.
Gupta, A. and Korpi-Starkley, M. ( 2000). Integrating SOLs in a Balanced Reading Program Richmond, VA.
Williams, C., Gupta, A. and Fleener, C. E. ( 2000). Holistic assessment of America Reads Program International Reading Association Annual Convention Indianapolis, Indiana.
Gupta, A., Ndahi, H. and Bowers, R. ( 2000). Virginia’s Workforce and Technology Richmond, VA.
Al-Hazza, T. C. and Gupta, A. (November , 2000). Training Volunteer Tutors in Reading Annual Meeting Williamsburg, VA.
Al-Hazza, T. C. and Gupta, A. (October , 2000). Organizing and Implementing a Volunteer Reading Tutor Program Virginia Beach Reading Council 12th Annual Conference Virginia Beach, VA.
Ndahi, H. and Gupta, A. (May , 2000). Computer Technology Training at a Distance for Workforce Development 2000 Southeastern Trade and Industrial Education Conference New Orleans.
Gupta, A., Thomas, C. and Korpi-Starkley, M. ( 1999). Balancing SOLs and Literature Based Programs 8th Mid-Atlantic Symposium Virginia Beach, VA.
Gupta, A. ( 1999). America Reads Challenge Program at the Professional Development Schools San Diego, CA.
Gupta, A. ( 1999). America Reads Challenge Program Provides Tutoring Services to Public Schools Roanoke, VA.
Gupta, A. ( 1999). Evaluation of an America Reads Program: Does it work? Orlando, Florida.
Gupta, A., Williams, C. and Fleener, C. E. ( 1999). Preliminary research on America Reads Programs National Reading Conference Orlando, Florida.
Oboler, E., Gupta, A., Wilborn, M. and Fowler, B. ( 1999). Title One Program Models: Deconstructed and Reconstructed National Reading Conference Orlando, Florida.
Gupta, A. ( 1998). Ebonics and instruction : What should teachers do? Diversity and Race Relations in Today’s Public Schools Newport News, VA.
Gupta, A. and Oboler, E. ( 1998). Effective Team-Teaching Strategies: Title I Reading Inclass Model Mobile, AL.
Gupta, A. ( 1998). From Phonics to Ebonics Y’all VA.
Gupta, A. ( 1998). America Reads Model Program SCALE’s 3rd National Literacy Conference Atlanta, GA.
Gupta, A. ( 1998). The America Reads Challenge at Old ֱ University: Results through collaboration Norfolk, VA.
Gupta, A. ( 1998). Exploring technology as a tool: Tracks to the future Third Annual Southern States Workplace Peer Conference .
Gupta, A. (July , 1998). Le’s talk ‘bout ebonics Pathways to Teaching Career .
Gupta, A. ( 1997). Team-teaching: A reading specialist and a classroom teacher in the trenches together! 6th Annual Mid-Atlantic Symposium Virginia Beach, VA.
Gupta, A. ( 1995). Evaluating Title One Reading In-Class Models Richmond, Virginia.
Gupta, A. and Oboler, E. ( 1995). Two case studies of Title One Reading Teachers' Changing roles: New Perceptions Richmond, VA.
Gupta, A. and Pape, J. ( 1993). Get to know the latest literacy software Colorado.
Gupta, A., Jennings, R. and Jennings, J. ( 1993). Quoth the Phonics Raven : When to? Why to? How to? Colorado.
Gupta, A. ( 1992). Most Frequently Believed Best Ideas for Reading Teachers 20th Plains Regional Conference IRA Kansas.
Gupta, A. ( 1992). Whole Language Hays, Kansas.
Gupta, A. ( 1991). Portfolio Assessment Dodge City, Kansas.
Gupta, A. ( 1991). A Case Study of an Adult Learner The National Reading Conference Palm Springs, California.
Gupta, A. ( 1990). Trak to Track: Self Tracking of Spelling Errors by the writer : From Inventive to Conventional Spellings Sierra Vista.
Gupta, A. ( 1989). Learning Theories and their Implications to Adult Learners Language, Reading and Culture Colloquia .
  • 2000: Certificate of Appreciation for Adult Literacy, Opportunity House, Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services, The City of Portsmouth
  • 1999: Certificate of Achievement America Reads Challenge Program, Tidewater Parks Elementary School
  • 1999: Certificate of Achievement for Diversity and Race Relations in Today's Public Schools, Christopher Newport University
  • 1998: Certificate of Appreciation for America Reads Challenge Program, Old ֱ University
  • 1988: Tuscon Mayor's Award, Tuscon, Arizona
  • 1986: Academic Scholarship, University of Arizona
  • 1985: Tuition Scholarship, University of Arizona

Organizational Chart