ABC's Of Literacy: Unlock the Power of Literacy

Race To The Top Teach-In

2010-03-24T07:49:00.001-07:00

What's Really Behind "The Race To The Top"

Teach-in on the Privatization of Public
Education and a consciousness raising
bake sale for public education!

●Who's directing national
education policy?

●Should states have to
compete for limited federal
funding in order to save their
public schools?

●How do standardized testing
and school choice affect our
public education?

●When did accountability
mean punishment of
teachers?

Date: Saturday, March 27, 11am-2pm
Location: Intersection of 8th and Market St, downtown

Sponsored by: Literacy for Social Justice Teacher
Research Group and public school
teachers
bake sale for public education!
Find out what you can do to join the struggle to
defend public education!

Education and the Media: Inquiry to Action

2010-03-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Education and the Media: Inquiry to Action

Saturday, April 10, 2010
Panel Discussion with Members of the Media

10 – 12 AM

Plus 3 more follow-up sessions
April 24th, May 8th, and May 22nd

Julia Davis Branch
St. Louis Public Libraries
St. Louis MO 63106
All ages and people welcome – young people, students, teachers, community members, artists, grandparents!

About the Session:
The media creates certain narratives about education, and those narratives influence the everyday understandings of educational concepts such as: school choice, the achievement gap, equity, and funding. In this ItAG we will examine the complex and multilayered ways in which education is represented and shaped by the media and, in turn, how people experience and understand education. We will kick off with a panel discussion by members of the St. Louis media – representing the Internet, TV, radio, and print – as we examine the ways that education is presented.

About the Facilitator:
Marilyn Ayres-Salamon has had a rich range of experiences as a public school teacher in both a suburban and urban district; in an alternative school for students with emotional and behavior disabilities, and an instructor at the university level. She has national certification through the Journalism Educators Association. She is presently on the Educational Studies faculty at Saint Louis University.

This four-session Inquiry to Action Group is offered FREE by the Literacy for Social Justice Group with the support of the Doerr Center for Social Justice at SLU. It is part of a larger project called
“Public Education, Public Voices.”
To register, contact Kathryn Pole at 314 977-7107 or email kpole@slu.edu by April 8th.

Blogging from the WE LEARN Conference

2010-03-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

A group of attendees is blogging about the workshops as the WE LEARN conference this weekend. I think some of you might find the discussions interesting. Some of the topics include: Choosing Books that Change Our Lives, Student Leadership, and Women's Literacy and Social Justice. Learn more by visiting the blog here.

Building Together: Art, Education and Democracy

2010-02-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

Building Together: Art, Education and Democracy

Sunday, March 21, 2010
1 – 3 PM
Plus 3 more biweekly sessions -
schedule to be determined by participants

1627 N. 19th St (upstairs)
St. Louis MO 63106
(on the corner of 19th and Madison)

All ages and people welcome – young people, students, teachers, community members, artists, grandparents!

A test-driven curriculum pushed the arts to the margins of our schools. Arts based projects at the forefront of our educational planning secure a strong future for our students. In this Inquiry to Action Group (ItAG) – Art, Education and Democracy – we will collaborate to create art in order to take a deeper look at our personal and community environment, a key part of social growth and understanding. Dail Chambers, teaching artist, will guide participants as they work together to create free-standing sculptures and participate in discussions focused on: art's role in historical social movements; multicultural arts; contemporary art activism and arts based collaboration in classroom activity.

Through our inquiry, creation and action, participants will find ways to transfer basic art techniques & processes learned into their work as citizens, parents and educators. No previous art experience is needed. Participants are asked to bring one small to midsized item that is attached to an experience, place or memory. The requested item will not be used in making of artwork. People should commit to attending 4 sessions.

About the Facilitator :
Dail Chambers is a community based, teaching artist. She studied photography at St. Louis Community College Florissant Valley and received her BFA from Memphis College of Art in Clay, with a minor in Art History. Chambers’s artwork is centered around african art, women's issues and social constructs. Most recently she has completed her Community Arts Training Institute fellowship. Chambers has curated numerous exhibitions, and founded the AIDS Project in Memphis TN. She is currently collaborating with National artist Carl Moore. Both artists will share the topic of "Moving Back: Our experiences living in the American "South," generations after the Great Migration. The exhibition is to be held in St. Louis at the Vaughn Cultural Center, January 2011. Her two Spring 2010 shows include From the Center Now!, a national exhibition juried by Lucy Lippard, held in Chicago Ill; and Art as Activism juried by Yolanda Lopez, held in St. Charles, MO.

This four-session Inquiry to Action Group is offered FREE by the Literacy for Social Justice Group with the support of the Doerr Center for Social Justice. It is part of a larger project called “Public Education, Public Voices.” To register, contact Kathryn Pole at 314 977-7107 or email kpole@slu.edu by March 15th.

Voices Silenced and Voices Mandated In the Classroom

2009-10-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Unlock the Power of Literacy:

It’s Your Civil HUMAN Right

The momentum continues…

Join us as we turn the page from our year long series of forums and events focused on banned books to a new chapter as we kick-off a year dedicated to . . .

Voices Silenced and Voices Mandated in the Classroom

October 20, 2009

1– 3 p.m.

Legacy Books and Café
5249 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108

Bring your favorite banned book and join us for light refreshments and announcements of upcoming events as we continue to
UNLOCK the POWER of LITERACY!

Reading Banned Books

2009-09-10T12:30:00.001-07:00

These photos were taken in Adult Education classrooms as part of the Reading Banned Books bookclub project (described a few posts back). Click on the photo below to view the album.

Media Lab

5th Annual Educating for Change Curriculum Fair “Reclaiming Education as a Civil Right”

2009-09-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

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You are Invited to....

5th Annual Educating for Change Curriculum Fair
“Reclaiming Education as a Civil Right”

Saturday, September 26th from 9 am to 3 pm
University of Missouri-St. Louis, South Campus
Marillac Hall
8001 Natural Bridge Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63121 (next to South Campus Metro Station)
Free Parking and Lunch

Flyer attached for distribution.

Join us for a day filled with...

Resource Tables from local organizations committed to social justice.

Poster Presentations by educators including findings of teacher-research, lesson plans, books, videos, resources, curricular guides and inspirational ideas for teaching.

Hands on and interactive workshop sessions with educators and activists on themes such as: the school-to-prison pipeline, bilingual education, understanding institutionalized poverty, using art and movement to enhance learning, designing culturally diverse curriculum.

Featured Speaker:
JILL FRIEDBERG is a Seattle-based filmmaker, editor and community radio producer who founded Corrugated Films. Jill's work focuses on education, media and social change. Her films "Granito de Arena" and "Un Poquito de Tanta Verdad" document how teachers sparked a resistance movement against neoliberal education policies that aim to dismantle public education.

Cost: $10 suggested donation

Lunch will be provided.

Sponsored by:
The Literacy for Social Justice Teachers Research Group; Dean’s Committee on Social Justice in the College of Education, UMSL; Literacy Roundtable; The Justice Institute; Women's Voices Raised

For more information contact: Kathryn Pole 314-977-7107 or kpole@slu.edu

Organizing For Adult Education

2009-06-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Banned Books Book Clubs

2009-05-05T12:48:00.001-07:00

During the Spring of 2009, the ABC's of Literacy Committee has been booktalking a selection of 5 books in adult education classrooms in the St. Louis Metro Area. The adult learners in these classrooms are then asked to choose one of the books to read as a book club in their classroom. The books are funded through a donation through LIFT-Missouri, specifically for adult learner book clubs, the Sue Gallup Book Club Fund.

The committee has book-talked the following books at St. Louis Public Schools AEL - The Adult Learning Center, Lewis and Clark Community College Adult Basic Education, St. Louis Community College AEL - Meramec and South County Campuses, and St. Louis Public Library GED class at Carpenter Branch.

You Hear Me: Poems and Writings By Teenaged Boys edited by Betsy Franco
The Giver by Lois Lowery
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
A Light In the Attic by Shel Silverstein
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

One classroom, The YMCA Literacy Council, specifically requested children's books and the adult learners chose from these titles:

Pinkerton, Behave! by Steven Kellog
A Light In the Attic by Shel Silverstein
And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson and illustrated by Henry Cole
In The Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The books were chosen from the list of 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books from 2001-2008 compiled by the American Library Association. Each classroom will have the opportunity to vote on the book it will read as a group. In addition we are asking the classrooms to document their experience with digital photos and recordings of the discussion (we will provide cameras and recorders). Then a team of volunteers from each classroom will work with the committee to make a digital presentation of the process of doing the book clubs which will be shown at a celebratory event this summer.

Progress Report On Education

2009-02-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

JOIN US!
Developing a Progress Report on Education:
Obama's First 100 Days

February 24, 2009
Carpenter Branch Library
3309 South Grand
St. Louis, MO 63118
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

"Educators Assessing Education"

IN THIS FORUM WE WILL:

• PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
• IDENTIFY CRITICAL ISSUES
• ASSESS THE CURRENT STATUS OF THESE ISSUES
• DETERMINE AN ACTION PLAN FOR EXPANDING AND
ENHANCING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES,
PARTICULARLY WITHIN THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF
THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION

Sponsors:

Missouri Association of Social Welfare
The Justice Institute
The Literacy for Social Justice Teacher
Research Group
The ABC’s of Literacy
"Educators
Assessing
Education"
RSVP:

Marcia Harris-Hayes
Marcia.Hayes-Harris@slps.org,

or

Rebecca Rogers:
Rogersrl@umsl.edu
(314) 516-5797

Banned Books Read In

2008-12-09T12:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Legacy Books for hosting this event!

Celebration of Readers Rights

2008-12-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

Join Us to Celebrate Readers' Rights

A reading of select passages
from banned books
by celebrity readers

Introductory Comments for the Literacy Roundtable 10th Anniversary Banned Book Presentation

2008-11-21T12:31:00.003-08:00

11/19/05

Welcome Everyone! We are here today to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Literacy Roundtable and to call attention to the suppression of voices in our society. This event was organized by the ABC’s of Literacy Committee, which is a project of the Literacy Roundtable and LIFT, Missouri’s literacy resource center in conjunction with the Literacy For Social Justice Teachers Research Group. One of our themes this year is Education as a Human Right and part of that theme is talking about intellectual freedom.

Many people think of book banning as something that occurred 100 years ago or occurs in other countries, and they do not realize that it is something that happens all the time in communities in USA. Every month there are books challenged in school and public libraries across our country. People who challenge books often have really good intentions: they want to protect others, often children, but also adults, from difficult ideas and information. However, the first amendment gives us the right to freedom of speech which means that one group cannot decide for everyone which information gets shared and which information is silenced.

Throughout history, people from different beliefs (both conservative and radical) have attempted to suppress the words of people who disagree with their beliefs. The American Library Association has collected lists of these books that are challenged every year and has compiled several lists identifying which books are the most challenged over time. Here is a list of the most challenged books of 2000-2007.

Today we have chosen some of these very books to donate to the library and 3 adult education programs in the St. Louis Metro Area. Our reasons are two fold.

One, we want to promote the idea that everyone’s voices should be heard. People have tried to suppress the voices of these authors by preventing their books from being in libraries and schools in the United States. But also, every day, there are thousands of voices here in our community that will never be heard because they do not have the skills to write their words down. The written word is very powerful, as evidenced by the fear it promotes in people, and if people do not have the ability to write and to read, then they do not have the ability to function fully in our society. These books that have been challenged often promote ideas that are difficult and complex. These books promote the discussion of these ideas and address complicated issues in our society. When people have the opportunity to discuss complicated ideas and complex situations, they then are better able to apply that reasoning process to other aspects of their lives.

The other reason why we chose these books is to encourage people to understand that in order for people to become better readers, to become more literate, they have to have a choice about what they read. There are multiple studies that show that people who have the opportunity to read their choice of reading material everyday, that they become stronger readers and if they are interested in the subject, that they can actually read at a higher level than they normally would. Often books that are challenged are books that describe lives and experiences that are not “rosy pictures”, but for many of us, our lives are not always rosy and perfect either – people need access stories that relate to our own experiences as well as stories that portray a different experience.

Education is a human right, a right that is not dependant on the laws or beliefs of any country. In order for us to effectively make this a reality for all students, no matter what their age, we have to do better. The impact of adults learning to read is significant not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of their children and grandchildren. The single best indicator of whether a child will succeed in school is the education level of their primary caregiver, often the mother. If we wish to break the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy, we need to focus on educating adults as well as children.

Without further ado, I give you Carlotta Algee Stancil, the chairperson of the Literacy Roundtable. Carlotta will be presenting the books today to the St. Louis Public Library – Julia Davis Branch, The St. Louis Public Schools Adult Education and Literacy Program, the Lewis and Clark Community College Adult Education and Literacy Program, and the St. Louis Community College at Meramec Adult Education and Literacy Program.

Banned Books Event 11/19/08

2008-11-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

Banned Books Donated

On November 19, 2008 at 10:30 am the Literacy Roundtable in commemoration of its tenth anniversary will donate a selection of books that have been banned or formally challenged to the Julia Davis Library. The Literacy Roundtable is a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area.

An additional selection of banned books will be donated to three adult education classrooms in the greater metropolitan area. To highlight the nature of the banned books, they will be wrapped in brown paper, hiding their titles. The titles come from the American Library Association’s Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books in 2000-2007 list.

A community forum on intellectual freedom will follow immediately after the donation in the Julia Davis auditorium. This is the first in this year’s series of events initiated by the ad hoc ABC’s of Literacy Committee, which focuses this year on education as a human right. The committee has held a series of forums and conventions on literacy issues for the past five years often meeting at the Julia Davis Library.

In conjunction with the Literacy Roundtable and the Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group, the ABC’s of Literacy Committee’s next event will be a selected reading of banned books on December 8 from 6-8 pm at Legacy Books and Café, 5429 Delmar Avenue.

Survey - Help Us Plot Our Course!

2008-09-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

ABC’S of Literacy Survey - you can take the survey here:Click Here to take survey

The ABC's of Literacy promotes community awareness and participation in literacy efforts in the St. Louis Metro area through regional conferences, forums, adult learner leadership activities and internships, public actions, and professional development opportunities.

Please answer the following questions to help us determine next steps.

Have you ever participated in an ABC’s of Literacy Forum, Conference, or any other ABC’s activity?

_____ YES Why?

_____ NO Why not?

What type of forum or activity would you and/or your students be interested in participating?

What TOPICS are you interested in?

What FORMATS would you suggest? (discussion forums, field trip forums, class visits, training sessions, student rep groups or councils, etc. ?)

What DAYS and TIMES would be good?

What LOCATIONS would be accessible?

Thank you for your answers! You can leave your answers in the comments section or email your responses to mdyer@webster.edu. Our mailing address is: LIFT-MO, 815 Olive, Suite 22, St. Louis, MO 63101.

Educating For Change Curriculum Fair

2008-08-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

4th ANNUAL EDUCATING FOR CHANGE CURRICULUM FAIR
DEFINING DEMOCRACY

Saturday, September 27th, 2008
9 am - 3 pm
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Marillac Hall

The event is sponsored by the Literacy for Social Justice Group, The Dean's Committee on Social Justice of the College of Education, UMSL, The Literacy Roundtable and LIFT-MO.

The theme of this year's fair is "Defining Democracy."

This year we are planning an exciting program including featured speaker, Dr. Kevin Kumashiro who is the Director of the Center for Anti-Oppressive Education.

Following Up

2008-08-05T12:03:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,

How the time has gone by, it's August already. I just wanted to make contact with everyone to see how we could come together on-line ,conference call or what ever. Let's throw some suggestions around to see how we can make the connection. In May we made some commitments that we have not followed through with. At that time I took everyone who made the commitment to mean what they said. We do understand that life always has a curve ball. However the reason for writing everyone is that we can get focused again.

What have you heard about the presidential candidates and their view on education?

Are you registered to vote?

What would you want to do to support our education efforts?

I really want to hear from you all. Thank You So Much for your time and efforts.

ABC's of LITERACY
intern: Dwight F. Johnson

P.S Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

Reflections on COABE 08

2008-05-22T12:36:00.001-07:00

My experience of the 2008 COABE Conference was awesome. I got to meet people from all over the world. This was my very first conference and one I will never forget. I especially enjoyed the classes designed for COABE students because, we were allowed to tell about our experience being students and how we can improve not just ourselves but the program as a whole. I was also intrigued to learn how much fun M&M’s can be in a math workshop. I enjoyed hearing different speakers from all over the United States, one in particular Mr. Ernest Best from Massachusetts. His story was most encouraging; he told how he too was a dropout and decided to go back to school. He earned two degree’s with a 4.0. I think that’s fantastic, not saying if Mr. Best could do it, anyone could. I just believe that there is hope. When a person tells a story and it reaches the soul of another person, that’s a start. It’s always good to hear about someone else’s struggle and how they made it through. Not only that, but
how he has hoped so many others including his assistant, Cindy.

Last but not least, our own Mr. Dwight Johnson gave a spectacular speech on his
experience as a student leader, and it was magnificent!!! I find that each time Dwight speaks, he tells a different story, one that is unique. Mr. Johnson’s experience seems to set fire to a lot of hearts and minds. People are inspired by not just how he gives a speech but the heart-felt story behind it. I call it a testimony which helps other overcome and know that there is something bigger than all of us. You see the conference has filled me up spiritually and mentally knowing how people give themselves in many ways to ensure literacy is a success through out the nation.

Jessica Billups

What A Year It Has Been!

2008-05-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

What a year it has been! I would have never thought I would benefit so much. But all things must end. Nevertheless, what an ending! 2008 COABE Conference was different for me. Over the past year, I have attended three conferences and no less than twenty forums. At 2008 COABE. I observed such a dedication from administration, teachers, staff, and volunteers. I find that Literacy is not a passing thought, it is life. You have to live it. The 2008 COABE Conference actually is the beginning of the life of literacy for me. Thanks to all the passionate people who have dedicated their lives to literacy.. Speaking from a first timer’s point of view, or in my case as an intern, I did enjoy the conference. Yes, the first couple of forums/ conferences you are so overwhelmed with emotion to know that there are whole groups of people that care so much, that it is their life’s passion. One of the workshops I attended was Transitions: The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with the First Step. The speaker was Mr. Rick Marshall. The workshop was very informative with power points, handouts, even illustrations. For this workshop to have such an eye-grabbing topic, it was too surface, meaning he was telling his story, but it was nothing that would make him or any one else search deeper within. You felt like there was more. I believe most of class felt that way. There was one woman in our class who had a speech and hearing impairment. Her teacher had to interpret what she would say to the class. In addition, students from other countries and Americans dealing with all manors of situation poverty, health issues, and domestic violence and so on. I would really like to see that workshop again. When Mr. Rick is feeling vulnerable and transparent.

Dwight F. Johnson

Rally on Wednesday, April 30th

2008-04-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

You are Invited .... Spread the Word!

Rally in Defense of Public Education!
Wednesday, April 30th -- 6 PM
Old Courthouse, 11 N. Fourth Street St. Louis, MO 63102 (stairs facing west)

Join local and national educators for a rally in defense of public education! Speakers, music, a declaration calling for action in defense of public education and more ...

Free, public education is the cornerstone of a democracy. Public education is under siege by those seeking to privatize it for profit. Together, we will call for a more equitable system of public education for all and ensure literacy as a basic civil right.

Organized by the Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group and
the ABC's of Literacy Committee

BEING EMPOWERED

2008-04-02T10:34:00.001-07:00

On March 13, 2008 it was a Thursday. The ABC round table sponsored a forum.
The theme was toast for change. We scheduled one in January, another one in
February. Because of reasons beyond our control both came to no avail.
So it was decided, for what ever reason the students could not come to the forums.
We would go to them. The first one was on the 11th of March, at the YMCA
Literacy Council. I understand the forum went very well. Because of my schedule I could not make that one.

I attended the forum on the following Thursday at Adult Ed on Kensington. There were seven or eight adult educators and around fifteen adult learners, including Joseph and myself.
The topic was on misleading words in one specific petition and how you can be tricked
in to signing a petition you don’t agree with , in general because of misleading words.

As adult learners we were also preparing our own petition for presidential candidates. The forum on Tuesday started the document. So there were already seven or so questions/statements in place on this document. We added another four
or five. I thought that was empowering.

We also discussed our Adult Learners Network. I was allowed to say a few words.
I just encouraged all the students in the class and myself to consider how important it is for the Adult Learners Network to have support also a voice for adult learners.

At the end we did a toast for change. There was no lack of participation with that
Activity. The grape juice was wonderful. I had seconds (smile).

Intern: Dwight Johnson ABC LITERACY

Literacy Roundtable Promotes Student Leadership with COABE Scholarships

2008-03-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Literacy Roundtable has committed to sponsor 10 adult learners (current students and alumni) to attend the COABE 08 Conference in St. Louis, MO, April 28-May 1.

The scholarships are available to students of programs participating in the Literacy Roundtable or the ABC's of Literacy programs.

Literacy Roundtable Scholarship for COABE

10 scholarships in the amount of $205 to cover the cost of early registration fees and the COABE Awards luncheon

Eligibility:
• 5 slots will be held for students who have participated in ABC forums
• 5 slots will be available to representatives of a Roundtable member Agency

Criteria:
• Student has demonstrated some commitment and consistency in their program attendance
• Student has demonstrated interest and involvement in advocacy activities as they relate to adult education.
• Student has participated in ABC Forum activities (optional)

Recruitment:
• Information about the conference will be distributed to all member agencies via flyers, email, blog and website
• Applications will be made available using some of the same processes
• Informational sessions will be held by interested agency groups. The format and script for the sessions will be made available to interested groups to ensure continuity of information.
• ABC committee will make selection in consultation with Roundtable board.

For More Information Contact Marcia Hayes Harris at:

Be A Student Advocate at COABE 08

2008-03-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Bring your AEL student to St. Louis for COABE/MAACCE Conference 2008

Introducing a new Student Leadership strand

Benefits to students:

* Student friendly, student-centered workshops
* Opportunities for students to volunteer
* Opportunities for students to network with others nationwide

Benefits to teachers/administrators:

* Broaden your student’s scope of adult literacy
* Generate student leadership and promote advocacy
* Increase retention & expand participation in your program

Registration Cost
* Early bird adult learner rate $195
* COABE membership rate $ 35
* Rate after early bird registration $335

For more information contact:
http://www.coabeconference.org

or contact:

Student Leadership Chair,
Marcia Hayes-Harris, at:
Marcia.hayes-harris@slps.org

Forums To The People

2008-03-20T12:57:00.001-07:00

This spring we have been bringing our forums to the classrooms of AEL programs in the area. See us:

At the YMCA Literacy Council on March 11, 2o08
At the Adult Learning Center on March 13, 2008
At the South County Education Center on March 19, 2008
And in Illinois at the Lewis and Clark Community College in early April.

Since this is an election year we have heard a lot about CHANGE. We'd like to encourage everyone involved in adult education to be a part of this conversation. We are talking about civic participation and the voice of adult learners inside and outside the classroom. In addition we want to know about the commitment to CHANGE adult learners are making in their individual lives and to support them in their efforts.

If you would like us to come to your classroom, call 314-678-4443 x 207.

ABC’s of Literacy:
Acting for a Better Community

Be a VOICE for CHANGE

Spring 2008

AGENDA

Welcome

Have you ever signed a petition? Why/Why Not?

Voter Registration

Missouri Petition Initiatives

Literacy President Petition

Adult Learner Network

Toast for Change

Adult Learner Network Meet and Greet

2008-01-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

ABC’s of Literacy:
Acting for a Better Community

ADULT LEARNER NETWORK
MEET and GREET
&
TOAST for CHANGE

January 23, 2008

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Carpenter Branch Library
3309 South Grand

Meet other adult learners and celebrate a new year

during this networking opportunity!

Share your voice as we plan next steps for the

Adult Learner Network!

To register your classroom or for more information, call Maggie by noon on January 22nd at: (800) 729-4443 ext. 207.

Sponsored by:

The Literacy Roundtable and LIFT-MO

Dwight's Reflections on Freedom

2008-01-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on Freedom

I was asked the question, “What is freedom to me?”
Freedom to me means so many things.
First and foremost, as a human being, that I have the same rights as every human being. The bare necessities of life; shelter, food, clothes and access to medical attention both for maintenance and in emergencies. That I know that I am safe from hurt and harm or if not, that there is a system in place that I can call on to assure my safety.

It’s amazing to me that we live in one of the richest countries in the world. With my eyes and ears I hear and see billions upon billions of dollars being shifted and merged every day. Neighborhoods being transformed and retransformed or not being touched. I’m talking twenty, thirty years. No one, company or church, has touched these neighborhoods. Oh yes! They talk about these neighborhoods, but there has not been real commitment to these areas.

Why is there homelessness? Why can’t we find decent jobs?
Why is the fight so fierce for FREEDOM?
For our human rights: shelter, food, clothes, medical attention.
To be accepted whether I’m red, white or blue.
Oh God! We need divine intervention.
Only you can give us the strength and the power to fight injustice.
Not just in America, but all over the world.

Freedom Writers Forum - November 14th!

2007-10-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

ABC’s of Literacy:
Acting for a Better Community

From Freedom Schools
To Freedom Writers

November 14, 2007

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Julia Davis Library
Natural Bridge Road

How do the voices of those who took risks to teach & learn reading
& writing in the past connect to our voices today?
What is Freedom? Who speaks of Freedom and for what purpose?
Freedom from what and Freedom for what?
Explore these questions and add your own voice to this critical issue
as we move from Freedom Schools to Freedom Writers.

To register or for more information, call Maggie by November 12th at:
(800) 729-4443 ext. 207.

Lauren's Conference Reflections

2007-10-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

Name of Conference: MAACCE
Conference Dates: June 20-22, 2007

General Comments: The entire conference was very energetic.

Specific Workshops I attended were:
1.) After School Share Point, Part 1 & 2
2.) Popular Education, Part 1 & 2
3.) If There Is a Will! There Is a Way!
4.) Archie Bunker’s Neighborhood

Beginning with my first choice: After School Share Point. This session, which consisted of two parts, left its best impression on me because the facilitators would pose questions to the audience and then their answers would become the forum for further discussion. It was a clever way of creating an interactive environment that provided real solutions and new ideas.

The Popular Ed Modules were very insightful. The part that left the biggest impression on me was when we drew out our learning environments and hung them up to give one another a “step into my world” experience. I would liken it to Show and Tell. I was very surprised at the extent of help and support that was provided by some sites.

The next session that I attended was the presentation: If There Is a Will! There Is a Way! I was not impressed. I felt as though I was in a one sided conversation; there was no sharing or question time. The session seemed to consist of the speaker speaking at me about everything that she did. There were no compare and contrasts, no object lessons, and no real time subjects that you could compare what she did. Not! Good! This was a lesson in what not to do.

My final session was: Archie Bunker’s Neighborhood. How much fun was that?!
This session was just about as interactive as you could get. There were roles to be played. There were tactile activities and manipulatives. There was interaction throughout. The discussion after the activity was from my perspective, “real time, real world” talk.

My experience was very informational. I was able to experience what worked and what didn’t. The guest speakers were motivational as well as informative. The meals and the people I spent time with were nice too!

I walked away with a lot.

Name of Conference: PTA National Convention
Conference Dates: June 28 – July 1, 2007

General Comments: This conference literally radiated energy, excitement, liveliness and unification. Their theme was, “Every Child, One Voice.”

Specific Workshops I attended were:
1.) How to Develop an Integrated Communications Plan -Presented by, Larry Powell
2.) Lights! Camera! Leaders! -Presented by, Arnold Shapiro
3.) Reaching Out - Presented by Bob Witherspoon
4.) Engaging Highly Mobile Students and Families -Presented by, Aurelio M. Montemayor

The first session that I attended was: How to Develop an Integrated Communications Plan. This session was very strategic in its format. The strategic structure was helpful because everyone was made aware of the direction we would be going during our attendance in this workshop. We were provided with an agenda, which denoted all of the activities which consisted of challenges and solutions. Each activity involved one aspect of the plan. The key components were: goals, strategies, objectives, and tactics. We were placed into groups and as we covered each topic we would complete a group activity which would show how each component was applicable. This session was obviously well thought and planned out. At the conclusion of our session we still had time for questions, answers, and resource information.

The second presentation that I attended was hosted by Mr. Arnold Shapiro. Lights! Camera! Leaders! This was presented using relevant parallels between show business and our business. He used a lot of relatable stories of success and setbacks. Here are some statements and commentaries that left an impression on me. Mr. Shapiro made some statements such as “your success is not measured by someone else’s ruler”, and, “leaders are not born they’re grown.”

He then proceeded to recite a list of qualities that we should always keep fresh in our minds that would help us to recognize leaders in our midst. Some examples were enthusiasm, determination, commitment, caring, character, compassion, courage and confidence, charisma, creativity, credibility, communicative, and finally they are TENACIOUS. Through Mr. Shapiro’s commentary it’s reassuring to know that ethics, integrity, and leadership can still go hand in hand. He challenged us to stay mindful regarding the impact we have through what we present by asking ourselves, “Is my influence positive, negative, or neutral?” “Is my conscience bothering me?” “Would this attract respect and admiration?” Mr. Shapiro spoke about influences on followership: trust, obedience, knowing right from wrong and peacefully solving issues. When you’ve learned to follow then you can learn to lead. With that being said; leaders will and should: 1.) Lead by example. 2.) Have a vision and hope. 3.) Motivate and inspire. 4.) Communicate with consistency and clarity. 5.) Be honest. 6.) Always set goals. And finally; 7.) Be an innovative problem solver. As you can see, this particular session had a huge impact on me personally. In turn I see this session benefiting me and others in my professional encounters presently and in the future.

The third session that I attended was: Reaching Out! This was a very different type of presentation. The person who conducted this session didn’t seem to be very well prepared. There were no handouts. There was no visual presentation. The sound system was not functioning properly. The person simply spoke of the difficulties in approaching someone and what he, the speaker, thought you should do in certain instances. This experience left me very bewildered and disappointed. Another example in what you shouldn’t do.

My final session was: Make the connection: Engaging Highly Mobile Students and Families. In contrast to my third session this session was flooded with information. Flooded with visual / power point programming. Flooded with handouts, directories, and published materials. Flooded with interactive role playing other activities. Flooded with lots of sharing and insight. There is nothing wrong with any of the aspects of this session, but, too much of ‘everything’ is bad. Mr. Montemayor could have had a very active and thought provoking session had he kept the mindset that less is more.

Overall my experience was educational and informational as well as instrumental and motivating. Each time I am given the opportunity to attend one of these events I walk away having gained so much.

Reflection on the MAACCE Conference and the National PTA Conference: My Conclusion

As I conclude my summaries on MAACCE and The PTA there are patterns that I’ve noted.

The first item: aesthetics are important because they seem to be the initial catalyst that energizes your audience. Respectively I am mindful that our main responsibilities probably don’t include this area of concern, but, our appearance could be categorized within this area. It’s important that we represent our student strand in a manner that would make all feel welcome and comfortable.

The second item: Making checklists for media, supplies, printed materials, and a plan B can be helpful and effective resources to aid in proactivity. Comforts such as complimentary notepaper, pens, water, mints or other hard candies might be nice as well.

The third item: We should have more information than we need and be prepared not to use it. Regarding the unused information; we should have a table to place the information and resources that we have available to our audience upon their exit. By doing this we can be assured that we have ample time to cover the most important points of our sessions. Also this would alot for ample audience participation as well. Those who would need more info and resources would be provided for at the table.

The fourth item: Talk to people not at people. As you choose your topic make them relatable and parallel to today’s issues and let your audience voice their concerns. Don’t presume nor assume anything stick to participants statements and available facts. Encourage interaction. If you don’t know the answer; say so.

Most importantly stay enthusiastic, and have fun.

It is my hope that these observations and suggestions are useful and helpful in attaining our goals at C.O.A.B.E. Thank you.

Dwight’s Reflections

2007-10-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

MAACCE Conference 2007

I don't quite know if it is where I am in life or exactly what it is. I left that conference in awe, of all that was said and done. Every speaker came with his or her own message. It was message of encouragement, dedication, facts/realities, inspiration, and motivation to keep the fight an on-going fight. To let the world know that we have JUST gotten started. I left there thinking I wanted to be a part of this fight. Because I am one of those people have benefited every day from this work.

VALUE Leadership Institute 2007

VALUE was unlike any conference I have ever attended. The uniqueness was that everyone in positions of power and on committees was the same: we were all adult learners. We had all gone back to school in our adulthood. Knowing this gave me an ease that I had not known before in a conference setting. It was liberating, there was no airs you had to put on. That tells me as long as I am true to myself and keep it real the sky is the limit in terms of reaching my goals. I'm forever changed because of that experience at VALUE.

Freedom School Photos

2007-09-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from the Freedom School Workshop back in July.

We had a discussion about modern examples of people breaking the law to stand up for something they believed in.

Christina in front of one of the Old Courthouse displays. (sorry, I can't figure out how to post this vertically.)

Visiting the Freedom School classroom at the Old Courthouse

Our tour began in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse.

Educating For Change Curriculum Fair

2007-08-02T12:47:00.001-07:00

Freedom Schools Interactive Workshop

2007-07-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Freedom Schools Interactive Workshop

July 18, 2007

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Old Courthouse
St. Louis City

Adult Literacy Education has a long history in St. Louis…

Join us to learn more about the Freedom Schools – secret classes that were held in churches and basements and on steamboats in the Mississippi River during the 1800’s before the Civil War.

During this time, a state law restricted the freedom of African Americans by making it illegal for anyone to teach African American people to read and write. Despite this law, people taught and learned within these Freedom Schools.

There is no cost for this workshop but space is limited.

Participants MUST Register.

To register or for more information, call Maggie by July 13th at:

(800) 729-4443 ext. 207.

ABC’s of Literacy:

Acting for a Better Community

Reflections III

2007-07-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Importance of My Life Relationship With Friends
Rochell Jones
The type of childhood I had either showed me how to be positive or how to be negative, my future depended on these aspects. My friends didn’t realize the imprints they left on me as a child talking negative, skipping school, doing thing that weren’t positive. I knew that their negativity was causing negative situations in my life. Unfortunately, my friends and I didn’t understand as children that following directions would help us to achieve our goals, bring financial resources, and changes for the better in our lives. It’s not that my friends and I didn’t know or understand the concept of doing right, we were just that free to be who we were at that point in time. Therefore, we needed mentors in our lives to be able to understand what life had to offer. As I got older I thought on the positive, I reminisce on those positive thoughts. I changed and made my situation better for my life and enrolled in college. I decided to become a nurse at a young age and this was a road that I choose to take.

I was burdened as a child by the negative aspect of my friends and that pained me. My friends would say that I would not accomplish anything, but in my mind I knew that I was something special. The more they talked, the more I would better myself. I left home at an early age of 17, I needed something more and my family wasn’t giving it to me. At this point in my life I knew no one could hold me back. There was a bigger world out for me. I thought outside of the box my family was trying to put me in. I let God guild my foot steps and I knew it was him because on my own I had not accomplished nothing, but with prayer and God’s strength I knew that I could achieve anything.

I knew my future was not all on point without any type of mentor in my life. Things that I wanted to accomplish had become a reality. I prayed for God to send positive people in my life and mentors that would help me to stay more focused on any given situation. God answered my prayer and my life generated positive people, money, children, a husband, and schooling. Negativity was still riding with me because of my past, I was missing my friends that were doing all the negative talking to me as a child, but I couldn’t let this stand in my way so I took charge of the negative thoughts. I knew that it was going to be hard work but I remained focused and I came out on top of every situation I encountered.

Reflections II

2007-07-10T10:03:00.001-07:00

Thinking Creatively
Dwight F. Johnson

How do you think creatively?
When do you think creatively?
Why do you think creatively?
Are the questions.

In order for me to think creatively I must use my imagination. I mean by this using the act or the faculty of imagining. The ability to form mental images. This is creativety, imagination.

I think creatively every second, minute, and hour of the day. There is always something that needs to be done. There are so many places to go and also people to meet. Also looking at creativity from another angel. Would be things we haven't done or places we haven't been. Are even people we haven't met. One thing about it we are always thinking creatively.

I really don't know why we think creatively. There is one thing I can say is that the brain is divinely made. It can do anything it wants to do once the mind is made up. It may be good, sad, or indifferent.

We must be creative in our everyday life. If we don't we won't be able to get anything done. Out of all 365 days of the year, there is not one day the same. Each day we are creating whether you know it or not. Thinking creatively helps me to see that there is always more. And it also helps you move from one level of life to the next. "What a very great divine gift"!

Reflections

2007-06-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Regarding Valued Qualities
Lauren Lawson.
I sat down and looked at the list of topics given to me. I’ve decided to write on the topic: kindness to strangers.

I’m not sure that kindness to strangers is a valued quality per se, more so that is an innate ability held by few. There is a cliché that still rings true,”The first impression is the only impression.” I do my best to stay aware that I have the potential to be the defining factor influencing a decision involving another person and their subsequent future.

It is my opinion that the ability to show genuine kindness is a quality which is innate. While it may not be an exclusive trait, and it can be learned through example, one should be cautious when discerning who presents the best example to follow. One should be wary of the self serving opportunist. And who might that be? You ask. The person who anxiously jumps in to help only after calculating that their actions will surely be recognized and applauded.

I am my best example of what can occur when kindness from a stranger is given and received. When I was younger I was at the lowest part of my life. I was, as a consequence of my own poor choices, alone and broken in body and spirit. I had no hope. I had nothing. I had no respect for myself nor for my life. I was a failure. I was homeless, hopeless, and unemployed. Suicide seemed to be a very logical solution. I began my plan.

I never expected what occurred next. An acquaintance of mine set me up; he introduced me to his aunt. He knew full well what would occur when I met her. This woman, who knew nothing about me, took me into her home. I call her, “My Divine Intervention.” Her name was
Ms. Louise. She saved me from myself. She took me into her home knowing that I had nothing to give her in return. Ms. Louise announced,”The first thing she was “gonna” heal was my spirit.” In the beginning I was very unappreciative. I was an ingrate at best. I took advantage of her kindness. I gave Ms. Louise every opportunity to give up on me because,” I wasn’t worth the trouble.” Ms. Louise never swayed she remained steadfast. All the while she would cleverly plant little seeds of hope, wisdom, and encouragement. I laughed at Ms. Louise when she would say I was, “gonna blossom and be the biggest bloom in her garden.” Ms. Louise’s unconditional caring, kindness, and support finally broke my indignant attitude down. I had finally reached a point, through Ms. Louise’s diligence, where I saw a way up and out. My amazing transition began.

Today I am still a work in progress. Today I have hope. I am still learning new ways to love me for who I am. I am always taking the opportunity to affirm that I am worth the trouble and that my potential is infinite. You see in me what can occur when kindness is given and received. Although I received Ms. Louise’s help shamefully in the beginning; in the end I was filled with immense gratitude. Ms. Louise gave me guidance and direction that helped me to soar. She genuinely loved helping people and it was visible. Sadly she died doing what she loved. She died at the hands of someone she was trying to help. I miss her counsel and presence greatly. She was one of a genuine few.

As you can see, through my experience, the impact of a first encounter with someone can potentially be the genesis of an amazing transition. For others it may be as simple as the opportunity to plant a seed. Simple acts of kindness can supersede any social barrier. It is my hope “to tend my garden” as lovingly as Ms. Louise.

Meeting Photos

2007-06-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from our June 8th meeting and from the orientation:

Becky, Rochell, and Caroline

Dwight and Lauren

Carlotta

Maggie

Marcia and Dwight

Ora

Mary Ann

Sarah and Lauren

Video production

2007-06-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

Please insert in time line:

Organizing for Change: Adult literacy Education
St. Louis, Missouri

Documentary producer: Rebecca Rogers, Associate Professor
University of Missouri St. Louis

Video production completed
May 2006

Student Leadership and Literacy Community Timeline

2007-06-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Student Leadership and Literacy Community Timeline
The process of building student leadership: conferences, forums, and workshops

ABC’s of Literacy Conference
Acting for a Better Community
Presented by the ABC’s Planning Committee

Regional Conference, Webster University
March 11 & 12, 2004

Community Action Forum
Opening remarks: Terry Jones
Political Science, University of Missouri

Julia Davis Library
November 16, 2004

ABC Forum Facilitators Training
Trainers: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

AEL Central Office
March 9, 2005

Literacy Community Workshop
Opening remarks: Rebecca Rogers
Education, Washington University

St. Louis Public Library Central West
March 15, 2005

Student Leadership Workshop
Facilitators: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Jason Murphy, Philosophy, St. Louis University
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher

Julia Davis Library
May 19, 2005

Letter Writing Workshop
Facilitator: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator

St. Louis Public Library Central West
June 2, 2005

ABC’s Of Literacy
Presenters: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

MAACCE Pre-Conference
TanTar A, Lake of the Ozarks
June 22, 2005

Value Leadership Training
Trainers: Marty Finsterbusch, Director of VALUE
Will Grant, VALUE trainer

LIFT-Missouri, Westport Campus
June 28 & 29, 2005

Public Speaking Workshop
Facilitators: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs

Project Even Start
September 8, 2005

Community Action Forum
Following VALUE problem solving model

St. Louis Public Library Central West
October 18, 2005

Student Council
Facilitator: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator

AEL Central Office
December 8, 2005

Student Leadership Forum
Presenters: Adult Education Students

St. Louis Public Library Central West
April 12, 2006

ABC’s Of Literacy Conference II
Acting for a Better Community
Presented by the ABC’s Planning Committee

Regional Conference, Webster University
May 18 & 19, 2006

Student Leadership and Advocacy
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

MAACCE Conference
TanTar A, Lake of the Ozarks
June 23, 2006

Educating For Change
Presentation of student projects

Curriculum Fair, International Institute
September 30, 2006

Organizing for Change Forum I
Facilitator: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator

Harris Stowe University
October 18, 2006

Organizing for Change Forum II
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
Adult Education Students

St. Louis Community College at Meramec
December 12, 2006

Organizing for Change: Literacy Education in St. Louis
Presenters: Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

COABE Conference
March 27, 2007

Organizing for Change Forum III
Presenters: Forest Park Community College Faculty

St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
April 5, 2007

Intern Orientation
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Carlotta Algee-Stancil, Adult Outreach, St. Louis Public Library
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer

LIFT-Missouri
May 18, 2007

Welcome

2007-06-04T08:25:00.001-07:00

The ABC's of Literacy Project works to promote awareness about adult literacy programs in the St. Louis metro area. The ABC's of Literacy is a joint project of LIFT-MO and the Literacy Roundtable.The project grew out of the first ABC's of Literacy Conference in 2004. Since that time we have conducted several forums a year and a second ABC's of Literacy Conference in 2006. Later we'll post a timeline of our events. This year three interns who are current students or graduates of local adult education programs will be joining our committee and helping us plan for this year's events. Keep checking here to read about our activities and upcoming events!