Publications

• Self-Corrections and the Reading Process of Struggling Readers

Reading, Literacy, and Special Education Expert

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Expert Witness Profile – Dr. Robert H. Kelly, Ph.D. Dr. Robert H. Kelly is a nationally recognized authority in reading, literacy, and early childhood learning, with over two decades of experience as an educator, researcher, and nonprofit leader. He currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of READ USA, Inc., a Jacksonville-based nonprofit dedicated to closing the literacy gap by providing evidence-based literacy tutoring, large-scale book distribution, professional development for educators, and workforce training for teen tutors. Education and Credentials Dr. Kelly earned his Ph.D. in Education from The Ohio State University, specializing in Reading and Literacy in Early and Middle Childhood. He also holds a Master of Science in School Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of North Florida. He is professionally certified by the Florida Department of Education in Prekindergarten/Primary Education (age 3–grade 3), Elementary Education (K–6), Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum (5–9), and Reading (K–12). Professional Experience Dr. Kelly began his career as a classroom teacher in Duval County Public Schools, teaching first and fourth grade before becoming a school-based literacy coach and later a district literacy specialist. In these roles, he supported teachers in implementing evidence-based reading practices, guided school-wide literacy initiatives, and trained educators to improve reading outcomes. His classroom and coaching experience uniquely position him to understand literacy instruction from both practitioner and systems-level perspectives. In higher education, Dr. Kelly has served as Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at Queens College (CUNY) and Jacksonville University, Senior Lecturer at The Ohio State University, and currently teaches as Adjunct Faculty at the University of North Florida. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses on reading foundations, assessment of struggling readers, literacy instruction, educational research methods, and the design of curriculum and intervention programs. Research and Scholarship Dr. Kelly’s scholarship focuses on beginning readers, struggling readers, and the instructional methods that best support their growth. He has published in peer-reviewed journals including Reading Research Quarterly, The Reading Teacher, Reading Psychology, and Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk. His work has examined oral reading accuracy, the role of self-correction in reading progress, the sustained effects of Reading Recovery, and the scaffolding of literacy interventions. He has presented nationally and internationally at the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Literacy Research Association (LRA), and the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading (SSSR), as well as serving as a reviewer and session chair for these associations. Program Leadership and Grants As CEO of READ USA, Dr. Kelly leads one of the largest literacy tutoring and book distribution programs in Florida. Under his leadership, the organization has secured millions of dollars in competitive grants and contracts, including AmeriCorps funding, United Way economic mobility grants, and multi-year contracts with Duval County Public Schools to deliver literacy tutoring and district-wide book fairs. He has extensive experience managing federally and state-funded education programs, conducting program evaluations, and demonstrating measurable student outcomes. Professional Service and Recognition Dr. Kelly serves as President of the Florida Literacy Association and the Duval Literacy Association, where he has also held multiple leadership roles. He has been invited as a keynote speaker and trainer for literacy conferences, school districts, and community initiatives. He also serves on local and state committees focused on literacy, workforce development, and education reform.