Planning an Adult Literacy Program Components of adult

Planning an Adult Literacy Program

Components of adult literacy Reading Writing Math English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) • Cultural literacy • •

Why start an adult literacy program? • • • Community need Economic concerns Immigration Children's education Health issues Quality of life

A literacy program as part of a larger initiative • • • Violence prevention Substance abuse prevention Community health Voter registration Economic development Job training Education Specific early childhood or school-based initiatives Anti-poverty

How do you plan an adult literacy program?

Step 1: Assemble a planning team Encourage participation of: • Local government • Libraries • Human service providers • Schools • Law enforcement • • Health providers Employers Labor unions etc. . .

Step 2: Assess the need Explore sources of information: • Census data and other statistical records • School systems • Human service agencies and health providers • Community focus groups • Key individuals and pre-existing formal or informal groups rooted in the community

Step 3: Design a program to meet the demand. • What services will the program provide, and to whom? • What entity will run the program? – – – – Federal government State agencies Local governments National organizations Community based organizations Employers Public higher education Schools or education partnerships

Step 3: Design a program to meet the demand. (cont. ) • What are the program's educational assumptions? – How will the program view students? – What will take place in the classroom? – Will the program be staffed by professionals or volunteers? – Volunteer programs – How will you evaluate the program?

Step 3: Design a program to meet the demand. (cont. ) • How will the program be funded? – Public money – Foundation money – Community funds – Fundraising – Memberships – Endowment – For-profit arm of the organization