Dear Discussion List Participants,

The National Institute for Literacy sponsors electronic discussion lists to facilitate dialogue about the latest literacy research and its applications to instructional practice; promising policies and practices; and to promote the exchange of ideas, resources, and experience.  Our goal is to enhance professional development for educators and practitioners through ongoing opportunities to learn, discuss, and reflect on critical literacy issues. 
Presently, the Institute is moving the discussion lists to a new format. Beginning next month - November 2005, the discussion lists will switch over to a fully moderated list.  Each discussion list addresses a specific topic and is moderated by a practitioner with expertise who is responsible for facilitating the discussion. 

We encourage discussion list participants to focus contributions to the lists on the specific lists' subject areas and goals. Comments, suggestions, references, and ideas posted to the discussion lists should serve as resources for enhancing the field's capacity and knowledge base.  We encourage open discourse and an exchange of information, ideas, and practices among all list subscribers.  Differences in perspectives and ideas are welcome, especially when they are voiced in the spirit of inquiry, curiosity, and mutual respect.  While the lists are specifically designed to meet the needs of educators and practitioners, we encourage all who have an interest in adult literacy to join the discussions.

We invite your continued participation on the discussion lists.

Sincerely,
Tanya Shuy and Mary Jo Maralit
National Institute for Literacy