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!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Education and the Media: Inquiry to Action
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Blogging from the WE LEARN Conference
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.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Building Together: Art, Education and Democracy
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Voices Silenced and Voices Mandated In the Classroom
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!
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!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Reading Banned Books
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 |
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
5th Annual Educating for Change Curriculum Fair “Reclaiming Education as a Civil Right”
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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
Friday, June 12, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Banned Books Book Clubs
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.
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.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Progress Report On Education
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
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
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Celebration of Readers Rights
Join Us to Celebrate Readers' Rights
A reading of select passages
from banned books
by celebrity readers
A reading of select passages
from banned books
by celebrity readers
Friday, November 21, 2008
Introductory Comments for the Literacy Roundtable 10th Anniversary Banned Book Presentation
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.
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.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Banned Books Event 11/19/08
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.
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.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Survey - Help Us Plot Our Course!
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.
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.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Educating For Change Curriculum Fair
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Following Up
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,
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,
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Reflections on COABE 08
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
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!
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
Dwight F. Johnson
Friday, April 25, 2008
Rally on Wednesday, April 30th
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
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
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