Return-Path: <nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id j5GJTUG04344; Thu, 16 Jun 2005 15:29:30 -0400 (EDT) Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 15:29:30 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <s2b19a6d.023@BG_NW1.bosglazier.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Carole Bos" <cbos@bosglazier.com> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:2114] Another Family Literacy Program Expands Nationally X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise Internet Agent 6.5.2 Status: O Content-Length: 7604 Lines: 205 More Good News for Family Literacy Programs: AwesomeStories.com http://www.awesomestories.com/ is an NIFL-recommended, ad-free, on-line learning/teaching tool containing hundreds of stories linking to thousands of primary sources at national archives, libraries (including the Library of Congress, British Library, BNF, etc.), government web sites (NASA, NOAA, etc.), museums and historical societies. All stories are written in simple English, suitable for families with limited skills. Because there are so many links to pictures, maps, graphics, animations - all in context - the site is very interactive which helps to hold the attention of its users. The site, which is subscription-based, is free to educators, libraries and academic institutions worldwide. (Educators just have to request academic membership on the site's main URL.) Because so many Adult Ed/ESOL/ESL teachers and academic institutions/organizations have signed up for free site use, our team met this week to discuss the potential good AwesomeStories could do for people studying English and adults trying to improve their skills. Our normal requirement is that students are allowed to use AwesomeStories in class, under their teacher's direction, but if they wish to use the site at home they must purchase an individual subscription for $19.95 a year. We have decided, however, that ALL STUDENTS in literacy/ESL/ESOL/Adult Ed programs throughout the world may each have their OWN academic memberships in AwesomeStories, with their own assigned usernames and passwords. The students just need to request membership by including the name of their ESL/literacy program/organization on the sign-up form so our team can distinguish them from others who are merely trying to avoid purchasing an annual subscription. We are hopeful this gift to learners may make a difference as they work to improve their lives. The stories on the site range from learning with movies, http://www.awesomestories.com/sample_topics/teaching_movies.shtml to history, http://www.awesomestories.com/history/ to disasters, http://www.awesomestories.com/disasters/ and much more. If you wish, you may alert your colleagues in other Adult Literacy/ESOL/ESL organizations that this service will be provided free to their students as well as to the program instructors. Carole Bos Editor, AwesomeStories >>> dnichols@famlit.org 06/16/05 2:23 PM >>> Grant Opportunity for Family Literacy Programs: The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) is pleased to announce grant opportunities for expansion of the Toyota Family Literacy Program (TFLP), currently implemented in 5 cities nationwide and generously funded by Toyota. This new grant opportunity will provide an additional five school systems/communities with $350,000 grants to develop family literacy programs in elementary schools located in predominantly Hispanic communities. As a first step, each interested school district must complete a Capability Survey which requires the signature of the school district's superintendent, and it is suggested that each school system seek the support of its local mayor in applying. For more information about applying for this highly competitive opportunity, log onto NCFL's website at www.famlit.org. Toyota Family Literacy Program Expands Nationally $2.97 Million Grant Will Fund Expansion Into Five Additional Cities, Serving More Immigrant Families Louisville, KY (June 15, 2005) - The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) announces the expansion of its groundbreaking Toyota Family Literacy Program. This expansion is made possible through the incredible generosity of Toyota Motor North America, a long-time partner of NCFL and supporter of family literacy. Toyota Motor North America's $2.97 million grant will fund the expansion of the successful Toyota Family Literacy Program into five new communities across the nation. The Toyota Family Literacy Program provides Hispanic and other immigrant families with quality family literacy programming, designed to increase basic language and literacy skills, as well as provide parents with the specific skills they need to help their children succeed. The program specifically serves children in kindergarten through third grade and their parents. "Millions of families in the U.S. need literacy opportunities in order to progress and become active participants in their communities," said Sharon Darling, NCFL's President and Founder. "Toyota's support of this work will allow us to serve even more families. This new support is a tremendous example of Toyota's commitment to community progress and educational achievement for adults and children." Communities across the nation are eligible to apply for the opportunity to develop the program in three elementary school sites per community. Through a competitive application process, five cities will be selected to receive grant funding, training and technical assistance, materials and many other forms of support from NCFL. "Education has always been a top priority for Toyota, and NCFL has continued to prove that their family approach to learning works," said Hideaki "Harry" Otaka, President and CEO of Toyota Motor North America. "Our partnership with NCFL has been a winning formula for families, schools and communities, which is why we're pleased to play a small role in helping them expand the Toyota Family Literacy Program." The first five communities that were selected for the Toyota Family Literacy Program initiated their programs in Fall 2003. Already, the families served by the program are achieving impressive results: Demand for the program has produced waiting lists at the majority of program sites; By the end of the first program year, 70% of participating families held a library card; Adults made significant literacy gains, moving their literacy scores up one or more levels; Children in the program were rated higher than their peers in overall academic performance, motivation to learn, attendance, classroom behavior, involvement in classroom activities, and other areas. Since 1989, NCFL has developed family literacy services designed to meet the nation's most pressing needs. Model programs developed and now implemented throughout the country assist families in acquiring educational skills while transitioning into work, and involve disadvantaged parents in the critical role of working with their elementary and preschool children. This pioneering work has been acknowledged by the federal government, many national figures, policy makers, and philanthropists across the nation. Working together since 1991, Toyota and NCFL have developed and supported more than 181 programs in 28 cities through grants and support exceeding $21 million. The programs continue serving families on an annual basis, long after initial funding has ended, due to program achievements and the success of families. This partnership has served tens of thousands of families, helping them progress from undereducation and poverty to academic success and self-sufficiency. The outcomes of the partnership have influenced educational policy, program design, and the delivery of services for parents and children with the least proficient literacy skills throughout the nation. Contact: Emily Kirkpatrick National Center for Family Literacy Office: 502-584-1133 Cell: 502-649-7372 Email: ekirkpatrick@famlit.org Web site: www.famlit.org Mira Sleilati Toyota Motor North America Office: 212-715-7435 Cell: 646-932-6128 Email: mira_sleilati@tma.toyota.com Web site: www.toyota.com
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