Marie M Clay

Marie M Clay

As a developmental psychologist Marie M. Clay combined her interest in the world of young children with the researcherÕs penetrating eye for the significant detail of their behaviour. She developed a world-wide reputation as an innovator in literacy research.

Marie Clay rejected standardised testing as an inadequate gauge of childrenÕs literacy achievement, choosing instead to use the Ôunusual lensÕ of systematic observation to catch children in the very act of learning to read and write. It was she said, Ôa non-conformist viewÕ of assessment. But it was a view that has gained international acceptance.

In 1994 Marie Clay was named New Zealander of the Year, and in 1999 in a survey of the National Reading Conference of America, she was voted the most influential person in the field of literacy over the previous three decades. Marie made a difference to millions of children learning to read and write. She was a teacher, researcher, writer, theorist and practitioner; and also a person who enjoyed music, theatre, opera, craftwork, and good design. At her death in early 2007 there was an international response to the loss.

The extraordinary range and reach of Marie ClayÕs work is seen in her numerous publications and her world-wide influence continues daily as teachers use close observation to inform teaching and monitor childrenÕs literacy growth over time.