Return-Path: <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id e6VKDcP22818; Mon, 31 Jul 2000 16:13:38 -0400 (EDT) Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2000 16:13:38 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <NDBBLGOKILOKGFHPKJMPCEGGCDAA.literacy@webmail.bmi.net> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Gina Massoni" <literacy@webmail.bmi.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:273] RE: What are we doing? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook IMO, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2910.0) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 3616 Lines: 80 Tina: I am always looking for answers to these questions as part of running a volunteer literacy program where we only do individual tutoring (no classes), especially in light of all the discussion about how to use EFF in a classroom. Sometimes I think our biggest success as a program is in 1) improving students' self-esteem and 2) getting them to understand that showing up on a regular schedule matters, and 3) bringing together two separate sectors of our local community so that both widen their perspectives. The more I learn about how to support the tutors, the more important I think it is to find out the students' goals and help them identify how to get there. Then tutors know what they must teach (and consequently what they might need to learn in order to teach). Volunteer tutors come with so many skills and areas of knowledge, and they are usually very determined to learn whatever it takes to be helpful to a learner. Please let me know if you find a forum for these issues. I don't have time to do research - our program is struggling for basic funding as it is - but I am always interested in knowing how we can do a better job. Gina Massoni Literacy Coordinator Blue Mountain Action Council Walla Walla, WA (509) 529-4980 literacy@webmail.bmi.net -----Original Message----- From: nifl-fobasics@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-fobasics@nifl.gov]On Behalf Of Tina McGlynn Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2000 8:01 AM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:272] What are we doing? What are we doing? Are we doing it well? I am looking for a forum for discussing issues related to identifying = and documenting results/outcomes produced by volunteer tutors in adult = literacy agencies across the country. I am especially interested in = WHAT is being accomplished....then I will go back and observe HOW it is = being accomplished. In this age of accountablility, agencies like ours are increasingly = responsible, as they should be, for clearly demonstrating results from = their efforts. It is critical that we stop being warm and fuzzy when we = report this sort of thing. But we also need help in developing systems = for evaluating what we are doing. Can lay volunteers teach reading and = writing? Are lay volunteers teaching reading and writing? If they are = not teaching reading and writing are they teaching something else (like = applied literacy skills)? What are the successful ones doing? How do we = know that they are successful? What kind of professional staff support = is needed in volunteer literacy agencies to direct the efforts of these = volunteers? What data collection devices are being used to track what = is being accomplished? I anxiously await the assessment framework that is currently being = developed for EFF. (Due for publication in Oct, 2001). Hopefully these = assessment tools will be designed to meet the specific needs of adults = instead of using a variety of pre-existing tools that are designed to = measure grade levels for children. I understand that the vast list of questions generated here is = overwhelming. But at the same time, I hope that it will stimulate = discussion at the grass roots level. I know that we are all wallowing = in this every day and it would be such a treat to wallow with = others...to share our ideas and perhaps come up with some real research = proposals that might begin to answer some of our questions. Please respond! =20 Tina McGlynn, Training Director The READ Center 1605 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 804/353-1587 tttt@erols.com (Preferred) readcnt@aol.com (not always accessible)
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