[NIFL-WORKPLACE:106] Research on Women-Centered Literacy Materials

From: H. A. C. Watson (haw6@psu.edu)
Date: Thu Mar 22 2001 - 14:07:33 EST


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Subject: [NIFL-WORKPLACE:106] Research on Women-Centered Literacy Materials
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Mev Miller
651-646-0097

March, 2001

WE LEARN Launches Research Study on Women-Centered / Women-Positive 
Basic Literacy Materials

St. Paul, MN --- WE LEARN  (Women Expanding o Literacy Education 
Action Resource Network) values and promotes literacy and literature 
for all women-especially those with basic level English reading and 
writing skills. In an effort to cultivate meaningful literacy 
resources and curriculum, WE LEARN has launched a participatory 
research project involving adult women learners, as well as educators 
and librarians who have connections to literacy efforts. In addition 
to learning what materials are currently being used to meet the needs 
of adult women learners, this study will also explore what resources 
could be developed that don't already exist. The primary goal of this 
project will be to initiate collaborative strategies to develop and 
create women-centered basic English literacy materials.

This research project will work primarily with adult women learners. 
However, literacy workers (teachers, tutors, educators, researchers, 
administrators) who work with adult women learners in any capacity 
(schools, social services, workplace settings, prisons, and so on) 
are invited to respond to a questionnaire seeking information. The 
questionnaire inquires about what women-centered literacy materials 
are used in your setting; how they are used; what you have learned 
from your experiences with adult women learners; and what literacy 
resources and materials are still needed in this area. The 
questionnaire for literacy workers can be found at 
www.litwomen.org/litq.html. Hard copies will be mailed upon request. 
The deadline for questionnaire responses is July 1, 2001. A final 
report will be provided in print format to the respondents and posted 
on the WE LEARN website (www.litwomen.org/WLindex.html). 
Possibilities also exist for literacy workers to participate in the 
long-term efforts and projects of WE LEARN.. A questionnaire for 
librarians is also available at www.litwomen.org/libq.html.

This project centralizes learner insight and action by encouraging 
adult women learners to lead and participate in the process of 
defining and creating literacy materials and resources. Through 
participation in conversation circles, adult women learners will be 
invited to talk or write about what reading and literacy materials 
appeal to them or facilitate their learning. Literacy programs or 
learners interested in sponsoring or participating in conversations 
circles should contact Mev Miller at WE LEARN.

WE LEARN has been established to maintain a resource list of 
women-centered / women-positive adult basic English literacy 
materials that help women understand their situations as women; to 
create a resource center / clearinghouse dedicated to the publishing, 
review, networking, and distribution of women-centered literacy 
resources, materials and curriculum; and to develop a network of 
learners, literacy workers, librarians, and writers committed to and 
involved in the process of creating and distributing women-centered 
or feminist adult basic literacy materials.

To obtain more information about this project, to get a copy of the 
questionnaire, or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Mev 
Miller at 1483 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104-6737, (phone) 
651-646-0097, (fax) 651-646-1153, (email) mev@litwomen.org. 
Additional information can be found on the WE LEARN website at 
www.litwomen.org/WLindex.html.
###
We Learn
Women Expanding o Literacy Education Action Resource Network
Mev Miller, Contact Person
1483 Laurel Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104-6737

651-646-0097
651-646-1153 (fax)
mev@litwomen.org
www.litwomen.org/WLindex.html
-- 
Heidi Watson
NIFL-WORKPLACE List Co-Moderator

Sr. Research Technologist
Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy
College of Education
The Pennsylvania State University
102 Rackley Building
University Park, PA 16802-3202
Phone:   814-863-3777 or 865-6472 direct
Fax:     814-863-6108
E-mail:  haw6@psu.edu



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