David Slomp Literacy, assessment, justice, and public accountability
Graduate mentoring

Mentoring as rigorous, humane, and intellectually ambitious work

I work with graduate students whose projects connect literacy, assessment, ethics, justice, policy, and digital or AI-mediated communication. My goal is not dependence on supervision, but the development of strong scholarly judgment.

Areas I supervise

Writing assessment Literacy assessment Validity and ethics Fairness and justice Digital literacies AI-mediated feedback Assessment policy Writing pedagogy

Recent supervision has included work on culturally sustaining writing assessment, AI-generated feedback in formative writing assessment, scenario-based assessment design, teacher assessment practices, and literacy policy.

David Slomp working with graduate students

What students can expect from me

Rigorous and generous feedback. I aim to be direct, thoughtful, and constructive.

Attention to design and argument. I work closely with students on problem framing, construct clarity, methodological fit, and the consequences of their claims.

Scholarship that matters. I encourage students to connect their projects to real educational and social questions.

Increasing independence. My goal is not dependence on supervision, but the development of strong scholarly judgment.

Mentoring outcomes

Graduate students I have supervised have received major awards and competitive funding.

  • Teri Hartman · Master’s Thesis
    Language and Literacy Researchers of Canada Master’s Thesis Award; School of Graduate Studies Silver Medal of Merit
  • Kacie Neamtu · Master’s Thesis
    J. Estill Alexander Future Leaders in Literacy Award; School of Graduate Studies Silver Medal of Merit
  • Julie Corrigan · Doctorate
    SSHRC Bombardier Doctoral Fellowship
  • Brenna Quigley · Doctorate
    SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship
  • Nisha Toomey · Master’s Thesis
    Language and Literacy Researchers of Canada Master’s Thesis Award
David Slomp facilitating a collaborative workshop

For prospective students

I am especially interested in hearing from students whose projects connect literacy or writing assessment to questions of fairness, ethics, justice, digital communication, AI, policy, or pedagogical design.

A strong first message usually includes:

  • a brief overview of your proposed topic or problem of practice,
  • why you think your project fits my areas of supervision,
  • a short description of your background and current stage of study, and
  • a CV or brief account of relevant professional or research experience.
Contact about graduate supervision