I just read the Bill of Rights yesterday for the first time in a long time--interesting to see what is in there. Next week is Constitution Day... If you are working with your student on American History or if the two of you want to know what it says, check out this site. http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/teach/freeresources/constitutionday/ They have some games in there that might be a good way to practice reading.
Happy Florida Adult and Family Literacy Month
Sandy Newell,
VALF President
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Deadline for Nonprofit IRS Filing Extended to October 15
If you haven't done it yet, make sure you file a post card with the IRS to meet a new requirement for small nonprofits. Go to our VALF wiki for more information on how. The deadline was extended to October 15... More
Sunday, August 15, 2010
VALF Meetings This Week
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| VALF May Board Meeting: Pat Bauer, Britney Hord, Glenda Norvell, Jack Newell |
VALF has two meetings scheduled this week. Our regular conference call is Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. Our face to face meeting is on Saturday, August 28, at the Dunedin Public Library in Pinellas County. Agenda items include fundraising, web page, membership recruitment, VALF online training for members and more.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
VALF End of Summer Update
VALF Online August 2010 Newsletter Update
Contents: VALF Membership, Florida Literacy Month, Online Webinars, ACE Conference, Transliteracy and the Florida Electronic Library
It is hard to believe that fall is right around the corner with Florida Literacy Month activities being scheduled for next month. VALF just wrapped up a busy year. We had a successful annual meeting and awarded two grants to our members with programs in Monroe and Hillsborough Counties. We provided a menu of programs at the Florida Literacy Conference, started a new initiative, providing free online programs for our members and continued to provide training on program management,serving the lowest level learners and much, much more. I hope you enjoy our August Newsletter.
by Sandy Newell, VALF President
September will again be Literacy Month. Actually the "official" day is September 8, International Literacy Day but most programs hold events throughout the month. There will again be a partnership between Florida's state parks, literacy programs and libraries. Read more
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| Center for Adult Literacy, Jacksonville Public Library, for Florida Literacy Month in Jacksonville |
If you are new to literacy day, you may want to take a look at this toolkit published by ProLiteracy. It is a pdf and thus takes time to download. It was published in 2006, so is dated, but it does have a variety of ideas to celebrate the month and provides context for the celebration.
Free Online Learning
VALF plans to present a variety of online sessions for another year on topics like family literacy, health literacy, library literacy, program management and more. Our sessions are free for VALF members. Watch this blog for the schedule.We want to hear from you. Please suggest topics you would like to see covered by emailing us at valflorida@hotmail.com
VALF board members, Glenda Norvell, Erika Greene and Sandy Newell presented a series of four online sessions titled, Using the Internet for Studying for the GED. It was our 2nd venture into online learning. Our first was a grant writing session for those interested in applying for VALF grants.
Membership Drive
We are just starting our membership recruitment campaign and want to encourage you to renew your membership today. It is only $25 for an organizational member and $15 for individual members.
We added a membership category for businesses for $100 this year. We are providing special benefits for business members including highlighting them on our wiki and blog. Why don't you become our first business member?
Please renew or become a member today and encourage your volunteers and students to join VALF. It only costs adult learners $5.00 to join. We use our membership funds to pay for day to day expenses and are 100% supported by membership and donations. Go to our wiki for our membership form.
Adult Education Conference in September 2010
The Adult and Community Education (known as ACE) Conference will be in Orlando on September 27, 28 and 29 at the Hilton Orlando. The price for the conference is $290 for members and $355 for nonmembers. You can register for one day for less. This conference is very school and classroom oriented. At this time, the list of programs is not on their website, but you may be able to get a list from ACE.
We have found that one of the best parts of this conference--especially for librarians and literacy program managers are the exhibits, and they are free. So, if you live in the Orlando area, you may want to stop by. The exhibits are open form 8 am - 4:15 pm on September 28 and from 8 am - 3:30 pm on September 29.
ACE actually formed 20 years ago when the adult education association joined with the community education association to form ACE. The sports competitions during the conference came from the community education culture. ACE is celebrating their 20th anniversary of this merger.
New Term -- Transliteracy
Literacy has come to mean many things--computer literacy, financial literacy, ocean literacy and more. When I first got involved in adult literacy in 1975, literacy meant adult literacy. That is how our language and the world has changed.
Here is a new one which really does relate back to volunteer literacy programs -- Transiliteracy.
So what does this mean.....
Transliteracy is the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media from signing and orality through handwriting, print, TV, radio and film, to digital social networks.
I am betting that some of us who grew up before social networking and media aren't very literate in those areas. The old school of thought was that you must be able to read and write to use the computer. Of course, this is still important, but YouTube, flicker and other sites using pictures, videos, music and more have broadened how we learn.
Humm... I can tell you how little I know. I just spelled YouTube like this Utube... I had gone there before but just didn't remember that it is all about "YOU"!
What is your take on this one? Do you use social media and project based learning as part of your lessons? Share your strategies or frustrations with VALF.
by Sandy Newell, President VALF
Florida Electronic Library
Here is a new way you can enhance a lesson. Download articles about topics your students are interested in from the Florida Electronic Library. It is free (actually paid through the State Library and Archives of Florida Library Services and Technology Act grant) Anyone in Florida can search and download articles that you find in magazines that you typically would pay for.
Does your student want to know about a health problem? The two of you can find an article together based on his/her interests. Print off the article and...here is the change, download an audio copy of the article to an mp3. Your learner can listen to the article as homework. Then during your next lesson, the two of you could read the article together with the reinforcement of the taping.
I am sure you will come up with more ways to use this exciting new tool! To get help on using www.flelibrary.org , go to your public library. Also share your strategies by posting a comment here or email us your ideas to valflorida@hotmail.com
Sunday, May 23, 2010
GED Session Date Changed
The second online session by VALF on Using the Internet to Study for the GED has been moved to June 7, Monday at 5:30 p.m. ET. To register or get more information about the session email VALFlorida@hotmail.com. The session on language arts and reading will be presented by Glenda Norvell and Erika Greene. Both serve on the VALF board and are experienced adult education and literacy professionals.
New E-mail Address
VALF has a new email address. You can now reach us through VALFlorida@hotmail.com. Our old address will still work. We feel our new address better describes who we are. Touch base and renew your membership today. July 1 starts our new year.
VALF and the Florida Literacy Conference
VALF members and friends attended the VALF annual meeting and programs at the Florida Literacy Conferece this month. The conference was held at Captiva in southeast Florida. All attending the meeting won door prizes with members getting the best prizes. Stay tuned for a report on conference events and VALF grant winners.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
VALF Annual Meeting May 6, 2010
VALF's annual meeting is Thursday, May 6, at 3:15 p.m. in Captiva at the Florida Literacy Conference. Glenda Norvell will provide a program on retention, followed by our annual report, announcement of grant winners, door prizes and more.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
State Aid Saved Last Night
Again, this one was down to the wire. Last night was the last meeting of the budget committee, and they agreed to save State Aid at the minimum needed to retain our federal funds. It would keep the funding --level-- equal to this year. This one was really a nail biter and any other scenario would have destroyed public library development in Florida.
Here is what Charlie Parker and the legislative chair sent out at midnight last night.
Thanks to Charlie and every one's hard work. I know our literacy folks stepped up to help, which we appreciate!
Sandy Newell, VALF President
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State Aid - Budget Chairs Restore State Funding to Public Libraries to $21.2 Million
At midnight the House accepted a Senate offer to restore State Aid to Public Libraries to the current year level of $21.2 million. When Senate Budget Chair J. D. Alexander made the offer, he asked if "the library guy" with the signs was in the room. The library guy we all know is Paul Clark who has pretty much lived in the Capitol keeping the issue in front of legislators and the press for 6 weeks. Senator Alexander was disappointed that Paul wasn't there and said that other advocates could learn a lot from him.
There, working the issue until midnight were FLA lobbyist Chris Lyon, Small County Coalition coordinator Chris Doolan, and whole contingent from the Department of State including Secretary Kurt Browning, lobbyist Rivers Buford III, and John Boynton. This group barely left the Capitol all weekend long. Chris Doolan had a very positive impact for us, especially on Sunday morning. The folks from the Florida Association of Counties, and many county lobbyists have been working the issue aggressively as well. The Salter>Mitchell pr folks distributed press releases for us at several critical junctures. FLA's CapWiz wizard, Lisa Manners did an incredible job of keeping the message fresh and for generating over 60,000 messages in the last 6 weeks. And nothing good happens at FLA without Executive Director Faye Roberts talents and effort.
Thanks to everyone for their incredible efforts and congratulations on the wonderful success!
Charlie Parker -
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Using the Internet to Study for the GED Series--Sign Up Today
Sign up today for next Monday's free online webinar on the GED. The sessions are for program managers, tutors and librarians. Email literacyflorida@hotmail.com to register. Provide your name, email, phone number where you will be on Monday and name of your organization. You will get a link by Monday morning, April 26 to get to the webinar. You will need a computer and phone to participate. Plan to sign on by 5:15 p.m. to check out your computer.
Using the Internet to Study for the GED Webinar Series
Overview of the GED Test April 26, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET
GED: Language Arts & Social Studies May 24, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET
GED: Science & Mathematics June 21, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET
GED Materials & Online Instruction July 26, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET
These free sessions are presented by Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida (VALF).
Sandy Newell, President of VALF
Using the Internet to Study for the GED Webinar Series
Overview of the GED Test April 26, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET
GED: Language Arts & Social Studies May 24, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET
GED: Science & Mathematics June 21, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET
GED Materials & Online Instruction July 26, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET
These free sessions are presented by Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida (VALF).
Sandy Newell, President of VALF
Monday, April 19, 2010
Newest on Funding for Libraries
I was right. The budget conference meets this morning at 8:30 am and will need to reconcil the 1/2 million with 21 million. Keep up your messages.
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Ok...what I think I heard just now, was that the Senate put in $21 million for libraries....defintely a move forward. They had it at $15 million. We need the $21 million to stay even. House is still at a half million.
Keep you messages up and rational on why...they have to stay there. It is so important for development/survival of libraries in Florida...
It all means free library service, free information, access for all... so important! See more posts below for context.
Sandy Newell
------------------------------------------
Ok...what I think I heard just now, was that the Senate put in $21 million for libraries....defintely a move forward. They had it at $15 million. We need the $21 million to stay even. House is still at a half million.
Keep you messages up and rational on why...they have to stay there. It is so important for development/survival of libraries in Florida...
It all means free library service, free information, access for all... so important! See more posts below for context.
Sandy Newell
Library State Aid Funding In Trouble
Tonight the Florida House and Senate are going into conference. State funding for libraries is in serious trouble. Libraries need the current funding of $21 million just to keep their heads above water. ANY cut in State Aid will impact the federal dollars too. This is serious. Please send out a message to everyone you know to support maintaining the State Aid funding. Libraries are busier than ever and adult literacy groups depend on them. Here is the link for more information and to send a message online, but you may want to try some different but fast ways to get their attention. Again, decisions will be made very soon--in a day or so maybe.
If you want to follow the process, here are links below. We'll be posting more for context. Here is the email from the Legislative Chair of the Florida Library Association.
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Public Library & MLC Funding - Legislature's Budget Conference Process
For those interested in watching the House and Senate Transportation and Economic Development (TED) Appropriations Conference Committee’s deliberations which may include discussion of State Aid to Public Libraries and Library Cooperative program funding, that meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 and should be available from the House “Broadcasts” page - http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/HouseCalendar/broadcast.aspx . I checked with the Florida Channel folks and they confirm that they will be covering the conference committee meetings this evening.
At this meeting, the House conferees will offer their initial funding positions and there will likely be some discussion. The session may run late as they have scheduled it from 5:30 midnight. I anticipate that the House position will be posted on the web on the “House Budget Conference Documents Page” - http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/publications.aspx?publicationType=Committees&DocumentType=Budget%20Conference%20Documents&SessionId=64&Session=2010 at some point prior to the meeting.
We are expecting to get bad news when they take up State Aid funding. The current year funding is $21.2 million which is also the federal Maintenance of Effort amount Florida needs to provide in order to be eligible to receive Library Services and Technology Act dollars. The Senate budget included $15 million and the House had a place keeper $500,000 amount. With respect to the Library Cooperatives Program, the House has $1 million, the Senate has $0, and we are requesting $1.2 million, the same amount as this year. Their positions are likely to change this evening.
Thanks for your interest and support!
Charlie Parker –
Chair
FLA Legislative Committee
If you want to follow the process, here are links below. We'll be posting more for context. Here is the email from the Legislative Chair of the Florida Library Association.
----------------------------------------------------
Public Library & MLC Funding - Legislature's Budget Conference Process
For those interested in watching the House and Senate Transportation and Economic Development (TED) Appropriations Conference Committee’s deliberations which may include discussion of State Aid to Public Libraries and Library Cooperative program funding, that meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 and should be available from the House “Broadcasts” page - http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/HouseCalendar/broadcast.aspx . I checked with the Florida Channel folks and they confirm that they will be covering the conference committee meetings this evening.
At this meeting, the House conferees will offer their initial funding positions and there will likely be some discussion. The session may run late as they have scheduled it from 5:30 midnight. I anticipate that the House position will be posted on the web on the “House Budget Conference Documents Page” - http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/publications.aspx?publicationType=Committees&DocumentType=Budget%20Conference%20Documents&SessionId=64&Session=2010 at some point prior to the meeting.
We are expecting to get bad news when they take up State Aid funding. The current year funding is $21.2 million which is also the federal Maintenance of Effort amount Florida needs to provide in order to be eligible to receive Library Services and Technology Act dollars. The Senate budget included $15 million and the House had a place keeper $500,000 amount. With respect to the Library Cooperatives Program, the House has $1 million, the Senate has $0, and we are requesting $1.2 million, the same amount as this year. Their positions are likely to change this evening.
Thanks for your interest and support!
Charlie Parker –
Chair
FLA Legislative Committee
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Latest on Federal Funding for Literacy
ProLiteracy lobbies for federal funding for community based adult literacy programs which Florida's programs really need. Here is a report on funding from ProLiteracy which we posted on the VALF wiki .http://literacyflorida.wikispaces.com/Announcements The report gives an update on funding as compared to last year which might be available.
It desribes a meeting ProLiteracy had with the Department of Education's Office of Vocational Assessment & Education (OVAE). They encouraged DOE to change the grant program so that organizations like volunteer literacy programs who serve the lowest level learners can compete for grant funds. They recommended that there be greater flexibility to the intensity and duration of instruction provisions and that the National Reporting System is revised to better meet needs of learners at all literacy levels.
It is very difficult for Florida's communtiy based programs to get federal dollars to serve learners. It is important that there be changes in the way the federal funding is distributed in Florida. In these difficult times when program's like Jacksonville's Learn to Read program almost folded--regular funding is vital. The Jacksonville Public Library is helping save that program by providing space, but ongoing dollars are needed.
VALF is a member of ProLiteracy.
It desribes a meeting ProLiteracy had with the Department of Education's Office of Vocational Assessment & Education (OVAE). They encouraged DOE to change the grant program so that organizations like volunteer literacy programs who serve the lowest level learners can compete for grant funds. They recommended that there be greater flexibility to the intensity and duration of instruction provisions and that the National Reporting System is revised to better meet needs of learners at all literacy levels.
It is very difficult for Florida's communtiy based programs to get federal dollars to serve learners. It is important that there be changes in the way the federal funding is distributed in Florida. In these difficult times when program's like Jacksonville's Learn to Read program almost folded--regular funding is vital. The Jacksonville Public Library is helping save that program by providing space, but ongoing dollars are needed.
VALF is a member of ProLiteracy.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Florida Library Association Conference Poster Session.
Gina Bingham and Ava Iuliano, VALF student interns, attended the FLA Conference on Friday, April 9th to present a scholarly poster on adult and family literacy programs during times of economic recession and to raise awareness of VALF’s efforts. Outlining the importance of volunteer literacy programs, the effectiveness of peer-to-peer teaching and the skill of volunteer tutors, the poster generated a lot of interest among FLA attendees. Gina and Ava were also able to drum up interest in VLAF’s new student intern program among library science students. If you missed us at FLA, be sure to see us during the Florida Literacy Conference!
Blog post by Ava Iuliano
Blog post by Ava Iuliano
Thursday, April 8, 2010
ALA Committee on Literacy and State Chapters
The ALA Committee on Literacy is making connections with local state associations through ALA Chapter Relations. If you would like to know more, contact Sandy Newell at snewell@dos.state.fl.us or call 850-245-6624 , past chair of the ALA Committee on Literacy to learn about the work of the committee and how it relates to state associations.
Folk Tales and English Language Learners
The national conference for adult education was held in Chicago last month. It was combined with ProLiteracy. I just saw an interesting post about a program that someone attended,called “Cultural Literacy and the Adult ESOL Learner.”
The post said the following:
The presenter was Planaria Price, a teacher from Evans Community (school) in the LA area of CA.
Ms. Price asserted that adults learning English are disadvantaged without the “cultural hooks” of childhood folktales and nursery stories and other stories that U.S. children learn through print and video media. These tales help learners build up needed “linguistic schemata” (background information) to increase their fluency and literacy in English. She presented video and media clips showing allusions in movies, TV shows, newspapers, and so on to such common stories as Humpty Dumpty, Cinderella, the Three Little Pigs, and others. The story she mentioned as being most frequently mentioned in print and video media was The Wizard of Oz.
Ms Planaria recommended teaching these folktales/stories/rhymes and then asking learners to “fish” – to look for references to these stories in print or other media – in the newspaper, in TV shows, in TV commercials, or in the movies.
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This got me thinking about what this means to volunteer literacy and libraries....
I know that literacy tutors have probably used folktales in their lessons at times, especially for moms. Or, since folktales are found across cultures, they are a good bridge for learning, But, I hadn't thought about using them for their ability to introduce aspects of our culture.
Do any of you use folktales in lessons? If so, how and what titles have you found the most useful? Please recommend any books/stories that you have built lessons around and share your lessons with VALF so we can share with others?
Libraries could do displays of titles along with lessons plans as handouts in the area where tutors work. The display could include folktales across cultures with a poster introducing simlarities between the stories from culture to culture. What else could libraries do to support volunteer tutors and adult learners?
Sandy Newell
VALF President
The post said the following:
The presenter was Planaria Price, a teacher from Evans Community (school) in the LA area of CA.
Ms. Price asserted that adults learning English are disadvantaged without the “cultural hooks” of childhood folktales and nursery stories and other stories that U.S. children learn through print and video media. These tales help learners build up needed “linguistic schemata” (background information) to increase their fluency and literacy in English. She presented video and media clips showing allusions in movies, TV shows, newspapers, and so on to such common stories as Humpty Dumpty, Cinderella, the Three Little Pigs, and others. The story she mentioned as being most frequently mentioned in print and video media was The Wizard of Oz.
Ms Planaria recommended teaching these folktales/stories/rhymes and then asking learners to “fish” – to look for references to these stories in print or other media – in the newspaper, in TV shows, in TV commercials, or in the movies.
-------------------------------------
This got me thinking about what this means to volunteer literacy and libraries....
I know that literacy tutors have probably used folktales in their lessons at times, especially for moms. Or, since folktales are found across cultures, they are a good bridge for learning, But, I hadn't thought about using them for their ability to introduce aspects of our culture.
Do any of you use folktales in lessons? If so, how and what titles have you found the most useful? Please recommend any books/stories that you have built lessons around and share your lessons with VALF so we can share with others?
Libraries could do displays of titles along with lessons plans as handouts in the area where tutors work. The display could include folktales across cultures with a poster introducing simlarities between the stories from culture to culture. What else could libraries do to support volunteer tutors and adult learners?
Sandy Newell
VALF President
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
ALA Connect and Public Library Literacy
The American Library Association (ALA) has its own version of facebook which has some library literacy groups. It is called ALA Connect. Nonmembers can register and access public forums. Members have broader access.
One of the public forums is for public library literacy practitioners. To register for ALA Connect go to this link. To get to the public library literacy practitioner site go to this link. There are several other sites related to library literacy. One is called Literacy for All and was set up last your for the ALA Committee's Library Literacy Summit. It is for all types of literacy and all types of libraries.
Sandy Newell, President of VALF, will be presenting a program on ALA Connect and other library literacy sites at the Florida Literacy Coaltion Conference on Wednesday in May.
If you have questions about ALA Connect or want to know more about library literacy, contact Sandy Newell at snewell@dos.state.fl.us or at 850-245-6624.
One of the public forums is for public library literacy practitioners. To register for ALA Connect go to this link. To get to the public library literacy practitioner site go to this link. There are several other sites related to library literacy. One is called Literacy for All and was set up last your for the ALA Committee's Library Literacy Summit. It is for all types of literacy and all types of libraries.
Sandy Newell, President of VALF, will be presenting a program on ALA Connect and other library literacy sites at the Florida Literacy Coaltion Conference on Wednesday in May.
If you have questions about ALA Connect or want to know more about library literacy, contact Sandy Newell at snewell@dos.state.fl.us or at 850-245-6624.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Free Online Sessions on the GED Test
Have you wondered what the GED test is all about? Did your student tell you that his goal is to get his high school diploma? Have you been staffing the library's reference desk when a customer asks for the GED book? Then sign up today for our online series of four free sessions on Using the Internet for Studying for the GED.
Starting Monday, March 29, VALF is sponsoring a series of four online sessions to provide an overview of the GED test. It is aimed at volunteer tutors, librarians and program managers and will cover the basics of the test. The sessions will also introduce links learners can use to study for the test.
Each formal session runs from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. ET. For the first session you attend, sign in early useing the computer link we will send you by Monday morning. We will be online between 5:00 p.m and 5:30 p.m. to make sure your technology works. Please register 1 week before for each session.
To register, let us know which of the following sessions you want to attend.Provide your name, name of program, phone number at the time of the session and email address. A link to attend the session will be sent by the Thursday before the session.
Using the Internet to Study for the GED Webinar Series
Session 1 Overview of the GED Test April 26, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET (Register April 19)
Session 2 GED: Language Arts & Social Studies May 24, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET (Register May 17)
Session 3 GED: Science & Mathematics June 21, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET (Register June 14)
Session 4 GED Materials & Online Instruction July 26, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET (Register July 19)
Please email us any questions you have at literacyflorida@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Sandy Newell, President of VALF
Who is VALF....
Volunteers for Adult Literacy (VALF) is a membership organization supporting volunteer literacy programs in Florida. We are a member of the Florida Literacy Coaltion and hold our annual meeting at their conference each year. We are a separate association which is volunteer run and supported by membership and donations.
Starting Monday, March 29, VALF is sponsoring a series of four online sessions to provide an overview of the GED test. It is aimed at volunteer tutors, librarians and program managers and will cover the basics of the test. The sessions will also introduce links learners can use to study for the test.
Each formal session runs from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. ET. For the first session you attend, sign in early useing the computer link we will send you by Monday morning. We will be online between 5:00 p.m and 5:30 p.m. to make sure your technology works. Please register 1 week before for each session.
To register, let us know which of the following sessions you want to attend.Provide your name, name of program, phone number at the time of the session and email address. A link to attend the session will be sent by the Thursday before the session.
Using the Internet to Study for the GED Webinar Series
Session 1 Overview of the GED Test April 26, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET (Register April 19)
Session 2 GED: Language Arts & Social Studies May 24, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET (Register May 17)
Session 3 GED: Science & Mathematics June 21, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET (Register June 14)
Session 4 GED Materials & Online Instruction July 26, Monday 5:30 - 7 pm ET (Register July 19)
Please email us any questions you have at literacyflorida@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Sandy Newell, President of VALF
Who is VALF....
Volunteers for Adult Literacy (VALF) is a membership organization supporting volunteer literacy programs in Florida. We are a member of the Florida Literacy Coaltion and hold our annual meeting at their conference each year. We are a separate association which is volunteer run and supported by membership and donations.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Census and Library Update
It looks like the fate of State Aid and libraries is going to drag out through the legislative session which ends the end of April. I have seen several news articles which say library literacy programs could be lost. It looks like many of the larger counties are use State Aid to fund their literacy programs.
Thus the loss of State Aid could be a double whammy on literacy. Rural library funding would be cut by more than 1/3 which means hours, staff and doors closing. Then our stronger literacy programs which are funded by libraries could also be lost. At some point soon, VALF would like to "organize the message" and encourage our students to be heard in Tallahassee. Let us know your thoughts on what could be done.
Census Time
I saw a posting with lessons on the census which is timely. Here it is..
To help your adult ESL students understand the concept, importance, safety of the Census, and how to fill out the form, here is a 2-part Lesson Plan with a variety of activities for Low-Beginning to Intermediate students.
Linda-Marie Koza
707 15th Avenue
San Francisco CA 94118
Phone: 415-717-3568
Fax: 415-379-9192
lindakoza@earthlink.net
Posting by President of VALF, Sandy Newell
This is a two-part lesson. Part 1 teaches about the Census and the importance of participating. Part 2 guides the student through filling in the Census form. It is best to teach them on two different days. Part 1 should be taught prior to receipt of the Census Form. Part 2 actually walks the student through completing the Census form
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Library State Aid Cut and Rally Today
Library State Aid has a long history of encouraging library development across the state. The grant provides a large share of support for rural libraries, and has been the impetus for urban libraries to form systems and extend services to residents who live in unincorporated areas.
State Aid provides the only standards that have to be met by local government. Each library system receiving state funding has to have a full time head librarian with a masters in library science from an accredited library school. A State Aid library also has to have one outlet open 40 hours and have an approved long range plan. This is not much, but at least we have it. If State Aid goes away, Florida's residents will lose access to free information and opportunities for lifelong learning. We know that successful adult learners take advantage of all learning opportunities, including those at their library.
Rural libraries get State Aid equalization grants which allow them to extend hours, provide basic collections and more more. It provides 100% support for rural multicounty systems in Florida, and a large % of support for local rural libraries. A loss in State Aid will result in drastic cuts in our small towns.
Floridians who care plan to show up at the state capital at 1 pm today to express their views....
State Aid provides the only standards that have to be met by local government. Each library system receiving state funding has to have a full time head librarian with a masters in library science from an accredited library school. A State Aid library also has to have one outlet open 40 hours and have an approved long range plan. This is not much, but at least we have it. If State Aid goes away, Florida's residents will lose access to free information and opportunities for lifelong learning. We know that successful adult learners take advantage of all learning opportunities, including those at their library.
Rural libraries get State Aid equalization grants which allow them to extend hours, provide basic collections and more more. It provides 100% support for rural multicounty systems in Florida, and a large % of support for local rural libraries. A loss in State Aid will result in drastic cuts in our small towns.
Floridians who care plan to show up at the state capital at 1 pm today to express their views....
Friday, March 12, 2010
Library Funding Threatened
State Aid funding for public libraries in Florida may be completely cut if the recommendations of the Florida Senate and House go through. Many libraries run literacy programs, and most of our volunteer literacy programs use the library for tutoring. This could mean that programs and open hours could be cut impacting our volunteer programs. Read the link below for details to see what you can do now.
http://capwiz.com/ala/fl/issues/alert/?alertid=14792616&PROCESS=Take+Action
Florida's rural libraries, especially, could be severely hurt. In some cases State Aid is half or 100% of their funding.
http://capwiz.com/ala/fl/issues/alert/?alertid=14792616&PROCESS=Take+Action
Florida's rural libraries, especially, could be severely hurt. In some cases State Aid is half or 100% of their funding.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Get New Trainers
Does your program need new tutor trainers? Then select some volunteers/staff to attend the Florida Literacy Coalition's Train the Trainer Course starting May 4 as a preconference to the Florida Literacy Conference.
Every program needs tutor trainers on site, and strong programs have several trainers. Experienced volunteers are a good source of new trainers. Some may be ready to grow into different roles in your organization.
Recruit volunteers who are computer savy. Often new college graduates are a good source because they have taken online courses to get their degrees. If you can find trainers interested in blending online tutor training with face to face opportunities, you will have a more flexible tutor training mode. Sign up by March 19 for the train the trainer course. Travel assistance is available. Go to http://www.floridaliteracy.org/ to sign up.
Every program needs tutor trainers on site, and strong programs have several trainers. Experienced volunteers are a good source of new trainers. Some may be ready to grow into different roles in your organization.
Recruit volunteers who are computer savy. Often new college graduates are a good source because they have taken online courses to get their degrees. If you can find trainers interested in blending online tutor training with face to face opportunities, you will have a more flexible tutor training mode. Sign up by March 19 for the train the trainer course. Travel assistance is available. Go to http://www.floridaliteracy.org/ to sign up.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Annual Meeting & Programs Scheduled
Two of VALF's programs have been scheduled at the Florida Literacy Conference. Early conference registration has been extended to March 19.
Session Title: Public Library Literacy Update and Networking Program
Date/Time: Wednesday May 5th; 3:45pm to 5:00pm
Session Title: Tutor Tips for Retaining Learners and VALF Annual Meeting
Date/Time: Thursday May 6th; 3:15pm to 4:45pm
The conference will be held Wednesday, May 5 to Friday, May 7 with pre-conference sessions on Tuesday, May 4 at the South Seas Island Resort in Captiva.
Visit http://www.floridaliteracy.org/floridaliteracyconference.html complete conference and registration for information.
I hope to see everyone there.
Sandy Newell, President
Session Title: Public Library Literacy Update and Networking Program
Date/Time: Wednesday May 5th; 3:45pm to 5:00pm
Session Title: Tutor Tips for Retaining Learners and VALF Annual Meeting
Date/Time: Thursday May 6th; 3:15pm to 4:45pm
The conference will be held Wednesday, May 5 to Friday, May 7 with pre-conference sessions on Tuesday, May 4 at the South Seas Island Resort in Captiva.
Visit http://www.floridaliteracy.org/floridaliteracyconference.html complete conference and registration for information.
I hope to see everyone there.
Sandy Newell, President
Saturday, March 6, 2010
First Online Session a Success!
Yesterday VALF presented our first online session thanks to Debra Hargrove who manages Florida TechNet. We provided technical assistance for those interested in applying for this years VALF grant. Most questions were around innovation, a new element required for this year's application.
We had program managers from volunteer literacy programs in Gadsden, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Martin and Monroe Counties sign up for the session. Glenda Norvell, VALF Treasurer, walked everyone through the application which is now posted on our wiki. Glenda Chairs the grant committee. Here are some of her recommendations:
1. Read the application and follow the rules. Last year we couldn't consider some applications because they went over VALF's page limit.
2. Note that we added a new component, Innovation. You can get up to 20 points for the category.
3. Applicants who applied in previous years and did not get a grant award get an extra 10 points if they apply again this year. So, if you applied in the past, you are rewarded for trying again.
Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida is a membership organization dedicated 100% to the support of volunteer literacy. We are volunteer run and are funded by membership and donations. We hold our annual membership meeting at the Florida Literacy Conference and are a member of the Florida Literacy Coalition. For more about VALF, go to our wiki.
We had program managers from volunteer literacy programs in Gadsden, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Martin and Monroe Counties sign up for the session. Glenda Norvell, VALF Treasurer, walked everyone through the application which is now posted on our wiki. Glenda Chairs the grant committee. Here are some of her recommendations:
1. Read the application and follow the rules. Last year we couldn't consider some applications because they went over VALF's page limit.
2. Note that we added a new component, Innovation. You can get up to 20 points for the category.
3. Applicants who applied in previous years and did not get a grant award get an extra 10 points if they apply again this year. So, if you applied in the past, you are rewarded for trying again.
Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida is a membership organization dedicated 100% to the support of volunteer literacy. We are volunteer run and are funded by membership and donations. We hold our annual membership meeting at the Florida Literacy Conference and are a member of the Florida Literacy Coalition. For more about VALF, go to our wiki.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Link to VALF Online Session
VALF (Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida) invites you to join our question and answer workshop session for applying for the VALF 2010 grant. The workshop session will be Friday, March 5th at 1:00 PM. Use the information below to join the session on Friday.
Please email us at literacyflorida@hotmail.com to indicate that you plan to attend the session.
If you have any questions, please call Sandy Newell at 850-245-6624.
Topic: VALF Grant Writing Workshop
Date: Friday, March 5, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time
Meeting Number: 575 935 891
Meeting Password: sandy
-------------------------------------------------------
To join the online meeting (Now from iPhones too!)
-------------------------------------------------------
1. Go to https://floridatechnet.webex.com/floridatechnet/j.php?ED=142124602&UID=0&PW=NZjBmNjQ0ZDIy&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: sandy
4. Click "Join Now".
To view in other time zones or languages, please click the link: https://floridatechnet.webex.com/floridatechnet/j.php?ED=142124602&UID=0&PW=NZjBmNjQ0ZDIy&ORT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D
-------------------------------------------------------
To join the audio conference only
-------------------------------------------------------
Call-in toll number (US/Canada): 1-408-792-6300
Access code:575 935 891
We look forward to talking with you.
Sandy Newell, President
VALF
Please email us at literacyflorida@hotmail.com to indicate that you plan to attend the session.
If you have any questions, please call Sandy Newell at 850-245-6624.
Topic: VALF Grant Writing Workshop
Date: Friday, March 5, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time
Meeting Number: 575 935 891
Meeting Password: sandy
-------------------------------------------------------
To join the online meeting (Now from iPhones too!)
-------------------------------------------------------
1. Go to https://floridatechnet.webex.com/floridatechnet/j.php?ED=142124602&UID=0&PW=NZjBmNjQ0ZDIy&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: sandy
4. Click "Join Now".
To view in other time zones or languages, please click the link: https://floridatechnet.webex.com/floridatechnet/j.php?ED=142124602&UID=0&PW=NZjBmNjQ0ZDIy&ORT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D
-------------------------------------------------------
To join the audio conference only
-------------------------------------------------------
Call-in toll number (US/Canada): 1-408-792-6300
Access code:575 935 891
We look forward to talking with you.
Sandy Newell, President
VALF
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Grant Writing Technical Assistance
VALF is providing a question and answer technical assistance online session on grant writing this Friday at 1 pm ET. Glenda Norvell, literacy consultant and treasurer of VALF, will be available to answer questions. The link to the session will be posted by Friday morning on this blog. The session will focus on the grant opportunity provided by VALF this year.
The VALF grant appliction is due the end of March. We will be awarding up to $1,000 for an innovative project to a volunteer literacy program in Florida. The grant will be announced at the VALF annual meeting at the Florida Literacy Conference in May in Captiva in south Florida. To get the grant application, email literacyflorida@hotmail.com.
Sandy Newell,
President, VALF
The VALF grant appliction is due the end of March. We will be awarding up to $1,000 for an innovative project to a volunteer literacy program in Florida. The grant will be announced at the VALF annual meeting at the Florida Literacy Conference in May in Captiva in south Florida. To get the grant application, email literacyflorida@hotmail.com.
Sandy Newell,
President, VALF
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Program Survival
Some library literacy programs have the best of both worlds. They receive strong support from the library AND qualify for United Way funds. How do they do it? Typically, government cannot receive United Way funding, but these programs are incorporated as non-profits--separate from the library. This means they have the stability of having their office and lead staff paid through the library's budget. LVA Leon County and LVA Gadsden County are examples of programs with this dual stream of funding.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reminder --Draft grant review March 1
VALF is willing to review drafts of your VALF grant application, if you get them to us by March 1, next Monday. The final application is due March 31. Last year several grants were not considered because the directions were not followed. We are doing this to help your applicatiion be more competitive. Also, our review is another way we are providing technical assistance on grant writing in general.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Library Literacy Programs--Survival
Volunteer literacy programs, like many other groups, are under serious challenges in today's environment. When dollars are very tight, it would be easy to cut literacy as not a core library program. The good news is that volunteer programs are one of the most economical ways to serve very low learners. You are needed more than ever, but how can you make the case. First make sure you are providing the highest quality possible within the resources you have. This means many things:
Sandy Newell
President, VALF
- like providing quality training for your volunteers,
- making sure your matches are compatible
- working hard to retain tutors and students. It is less expensive to retain tutors than it is to train a new one.
- and giving students chances to be more involved. They can provide student support and help your program raise funds.
Sandy Newell
President, VALF
Sunday, February 7, 2010
VALF Grant Announcement
For a third year, VALF is awarding a literacy grant to volunteer literacy groups in Florida who are members of VALF. This year's focus is on innovation, and up to $1,000 will be available. For a copy of the application email literacyflorida@hotmail.com.
In the first year VALF awarded three, $300 grants. Last year, five, $500 grants were awarded in the honor of Jack Newell, a long time champion of volunteer and library literacy programs in Florida. This year we decided to give $1,000 for a program that strives for excellence by instituting innovative practices.
Innovation can be defined locally. What is routine for one program could be considered an exciting new strategy for another literacy group. It all depends. For a list of last year's winners go to our wiki.
In the first year VALF awarded three, $300 grants. Last year, five, $500 grants were awarded in the honor of Jack Newell, a long time champion of volunteer and library literacy programs in Florida. This year we decided to give $1,000 for a program that strives for excellence by instituting innovative practices.
Innovation can be defined locally. What is routine for one program could be considered an exciting new strategy for another literacy group. It all depends. For a list of last year's winners go to our wiki.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Library Literacy in California
Hot literacy topics in California's library literacy programs mirror what is happening in Florida. The one difference is that they have some dedicated state funding for basic education and family literacy programs. Topics include Learner Persistence, job skills, computer skills, GED, use of Study Circles, and volunteer recruitment and management. They have a new link on their website on
Matching instructional curriculum with learner goals
http://www.libraryliteracy.org/staff/rg/curriculum.html
Check it out and also tell us what is hot for your literacy programs this year.
Matching instructional curriculum with learner goals
http://www.libraryliteracy.org/staff/rg/curriculum.html
Check it out and also tell us what is hot for your literacy programs this year.
VALF Board Meeting Jan 30
We are holding a regular meeting of our Volunteers for Adult Literacy in Florida board on Saturday, Jan 30, at the downtown library in Gainesville. Our members are welcome to attend. The meeting will be in the Foundation Room starting at 10:30 a.m.
Headquarters Library Address for the meeting
Headquarters Library Address for the meeting
401 East University Avenue
Gainesville, Florida 32601
352-334-3900
Gainesville, Florida 32601
352-334-3900
Here are the directions: http://www.aclib.us/locations/headquarters
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Training New Tutor Trainers
Every program needs several tutor trainers. Ideally you should have at least 2 or more who are part of your paid or volunteer staff. This allows you to provide tutor workshops based on demand rather than waiting for trainers to come from outside your community.
The Florida Literacy Coalition makes it easier for you to add new trainers. They provide a train the trainer workshop every year which kicks off at the Florida Literacy Conference. This year the first session is on May 4 in Captiva, followed by an online session on May 13 and an additional workshop in Orlando on May 21 & 22. The session only costs $25 and travel funding is available. You must be nominated by your program by March 19 to participate. Go to the Coalition's web site to learn more and get the application.
For more ideas on providing tutor in service. Do a search on this blog using the word, in service.
Sandy Newell, President of VALF
literacyflorida@hotmail.com
Monday, January 18, 2010
ALA Award Winning Childrens' Books
John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature“When You Reach Me,” written by Rebecca Stead, is the 2010 Newbery Medal winner.
Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children“The Lion & the Mouse,” illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney, is the 2010 Caldecott Medal winner.
Is your adult learner a parent,share this award winning picture book with him/her to liven up your lesson and introduce your student to good literature.
Free Webinar on Library Partnerships
The California State Library is sponsoring a free webinar on Jan. 26 on library partnerships. It is from the library perspective...not literacy, but could give volunteer literacy programs an understanding of how libraries work and issues related to building partnerships. You don't have to register. Put it on your calendar and go to
http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/webcast_data/364/index.html at the time of the session.
Sandy Newell,
President
VALF
http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/webcast_data/364/index.html at the time of the session.
Sandy Newell,
President
VALF
Friday, January 1, 2010
ALA President Supports Gaming in Libraries
Gaming
The December 2009 issue of American Libraries has an article by ALA President, Camila Alire about Gaming & Literacy. She states that you must be literate to play games and thus libraries should be using gaming to promote literacy. What is not covered is how to attract teens with lower literacy skills into libraries to play games. I am sure this is happening, but it needs to be a conscious effort or we'll end up serving our usual big readers, not those with lower level skills.
Please share your stories on how libraries attract low level readers and help them gain literacy skills in a fun way via games... .. Resources: Gaming Toolkit
Libraries and Learning
In the same issue, a letter to the editor notes that many attending college lack critical thinking skills, an important aspect of literacy. Joseph McDonald goes on to say that libraries should focus on giving their customers great learning experiences in reading and writing. He dares to say that maybe libraries should be foundations of learning and teaching --not simply information.
We know that library volunteer literacy programs strive to do this, but not all libraries have these learning programs. Some in Florida, like Brevard and Broward Counties, have cut literacy programs or severely weakened them. On the positive side, others libraries like Citrus and the City of Largo are getting into the literacy business and many like Lake County and New Port Richey continue to have vibrant programs.
Adult and family literacy programs are a way to position libraries as a vital.
As we start the new year, I want to say congratulations to all public libraries who provide adult literacy programs or who have very strong partnerships with community programs, in spite of severe cuts in funding an personnel.
The December 2009 issue of American Libraries has an article by ALA President, Camila Alire about Gaming & Literacy. She states that you must be literate to play games and thus libraries should be using gaming to promote literacy. What is not covered is how to attract teens with lower literacy skills into libraries to play games. I am sure this is happening, but it needs to be a conscious effort or we'll end up serving our usual big readers, not those with lower level skills.
Please share your stories on how libraries attract low level readers and help them gain literacy skills in a fun way via games... .. Resources: Gaming Toolkit
Libraries and Learning
In the same issue, a letter to the editor notes that many attending college lack critical thinking skills, an important aspect of literacy. Joseph McDonald goes on to say that libraries should focus on giving their customers great learning experiences in reading and writing. He dares to say that maybe libraries should be foundations of learning and teaching --not simply information.
We know that library volunteer literacy programs strive to do this, but not all libraries have these learning programs. Some in Florida, like Brevard and Broward Counties, have cut literacy programs or severely weakened them. On the positive side, others libraries like Citrus and the City of Largo are getting into the literacy business and many like Lake County and New Port Richey continue to have vibrant programs.
Adult and family literacy programs are a way to position libraries as a vital.
As we start the new year, I want to say congratulations to all public libraries who provide adult literacy programs or who have very strong partnerships with community programs, in spite of severe cuts in funding an personnel.
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