Jean and all

Another small piece of the overall landscape:

The notion of being a feeder into programs is one that we've talked about in
different ways here in Providence, and I'm guessing you've thought about
this in terms of the public library family literacy programs?

Either way, as you know - and as others on the list know - the demands of
NRS reporting demands make it difficult, if not impossible to use federal or
state funding for  a 'small' and simple program model.  PACT (parent and
children time together), parent time alone, children time alone), are
tremendously important elements in the overall quality of families' learning
and as part of a transition into more 'regular' classes (for parents) and
school (for kids).  Having parents determine topics they want to discuss is
also a key factor.  Not sure at this moment in time in Providence if
'bigger' agencies have the energy to think about collaboration as such
(we're in the midst of a newly redesigned 3-year RFP process) - BUT I think
there's huge merit in what you're working on.

The question becomes one of building a base with community folks who learn
how to teach, engaging professional teachers, finding non-govt funding,
and/or..?

Janet Isserlis
Literacy Resources/RI

janet_isserlis at brown.edu


> From: <PHCSJean.46639044 at bloglines.com>

> Reply-To: The Family Literacy Discussion List <familyliteracy at nifl.gov>

> Date: 1 Mar 2007 18:06:00 -0000

> To: <familyliteracy at nifl.gov>

> Subject: [FamilyLiteracy 584] Re: Drop in Family Literacy?

> 

> Thanks Virgina.

> Is PACT a formal program? I'm not familiar with it. I hadn't

> considered the areas you brought up, but are certainly useful topics. These

> group ideas sound wonderful, and could really help with the whole community

> building aspect. Maybe if we offer some topical classes on a schedule that

> could increase attendance too. We'd talked about parenting skills, and

> literacy

> building ideas as part of the model, but I see the paradigm could be so much

> bigger.

> 

> I guess the downside of limited progress could be problematic in

> convincing funders to participate. One of our thoughts is to reach the

> underserved

> and not to replicate what other programs are doing. I wonder though, if we

> could be a feeder into them.

> 

> Thanks for your ideas! I love the brainstorming

> of a community of practice.

> 

> Jean Marrapodi

> Director of Education

> Providence

> Assembly of God Learning Center

> 353 Elmwood Avenue

> Providence, RI 02907