Return-Path: <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h38GX4U04800; Tue, 8 Apr 2003 12:33:04 -0400 (EDT) Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2003 12:33:04 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <3EA44D99@webmail.utk.edu> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: jataylor <jataylor@utk.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:137] from Val, reflections about YES! antiracist literacy program X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: WebMail (Hydra) SMTP v3.61.08 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Status: O Content-Length: 4647 Lines: 76 (The following is a post from Val Uccellani, a colleague of Margery and Lou.) Margery and Lou: Having fully read your article now, I want to thank you for putting it down on paper, for provoking us all to think more deeply about our life's work, and for giving us something hopeful at a somewhat "unhopeful" time in history. My intention is to make this a short note, but, I have a funny feeling that it may not be because, there's so much in the article that was good and got me thinking. For my own sake, I'm going to jot down some thoughts I had while reading.. ..Maybe we could talk about them over coffee one day later this month (I"m on the road until April 20). 1) "Transforming a program into one that "measures its worth by the strength and self-determination of adult learner and communities." I like that -- not only the words but the concept. It's a powerful goal.. and one that could serve any program. So, we ask ourselves, "How do we fit more traditional goals (which are also worthwhile) with these broader, more profound goals?" Your story about the potato workshop is clearly one that marks your program's "success." It is a literacy program and, like all programs, also wants to see some "evidence" of success that includes "skill" advancement such as higher reading levels, stronger writing skills, and, dare I say better "test" scores? ( We know that these markers can matter as much to the learners as to the teachers and programs.) You said that the old "Operation Mainstream" program was very successful in many ways... students and teachers liked it a lot.&nbs! p; And, yet, had to change.. What was your "evidence" that it needed changing? I applaud you the effort to redefine success and to offer other programs ideas on how to mark success in new, different, and meaningful ways. 2) I so enjoyed the story about the SCLA conference workshop that went on for 3 hours. I am not surprised.. especially on the heels of a recent experience I had as part of a "Community Dialogue" in Northern Ireland. It was just this past month when a few of us (from "Shades of Praise", New Orleans' inter- racial choir) were invited to talk briefly about our experiences with race in America. The response was enormous.. people didn't ask us any questions after we spoke, no. They didn't need to hear more.. they needed to talk themselves; and they did..... they talked about racism and secularism; fears, confusions, hopes and anger... I was struck, yet again,with how much TIME and OPPORTUNITY we all need to release, reflect, voice, question... Everyone's got their stories. And, given a safe enough place, will eagerly offer them up. As I'm sure you've heard Mike Cowan say: None of us is healed until all of us is healed. 3) As a "Jane Vella" protege, I was glad to read the piece about Doug's revamping of the initial tutor workshop at YES!. I recall when Doug returned from the conference where he was inspired by the principles and practices born of Jane's work (now carried through our organization, Global Learning Partners (GLP).) The shift from subjects of math and reading to the "learner as Subject" is one he spoke of at that time; it is great that he found practical ways to apply that powerful concept. Anytime we can find to talk more about GLP's principles/practices of dialogue education, and how they play out in the context of YES!, I would enjoy that very much. 4) Okay,,, this is getting long. I'll close soon. I'd like to buy a copy of the anthology. Can I order through the internet? or, better yet, maybe it's a good reason for me to visit YES! and buy one when I'm back in town. Lou, when I do visit, could we sit a bit and talk about language? I noticed your self-description as an American of African descent, and your use of "black" and "white" in quotations. I struggle with language around race a lot. I have learned that our struggle with language is important, and good -- if we don't have the words, we can't talk about it! I personally find it hard to use "black and white" as many of my friends/colleagues do because I believe that these words perpetuate a categorization that was bad for all of us and continues to be so. But, at the same time, I want to honor others' words, and the pride that the word "Black" has come to carry for many people, which is a good thing. I'd appreciate your thoughts. THANK you both again for your co-authorship of a fine piece. Val (Uccellani) Owner, Progressive Program Design Senior Associate, Global Learning Partners (GLP) Home/ Office: 504 894 9045 val@talk2val.com
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