No subject

about policy and government as central to literacy praxis. So, from =
Freire's perspective, the discussions that some people are engaging in =
are part of literacy work. Of course, these issues ought to surface in =
the class as part of improving literacy skills of the students. =20

If we agree with Freire's model, how do we as literacy professionals can =
explore and improve practice while incorporating some of the dialogue =
that has emerge in these discussions?=20

I can see a specific rather basic example. Some of the government =
policies are having an impact in funding for literacy vs other areas. =
The changes in policy will have some kind of a social impact. One =
perspective is that a tax cut will stimulate the economy creating jobs =
for the students. The other is that the tax cut will reduce the services =
that students access. We ought not to decide for the students what is =
best for them, but bring these issues to the class for the students to =
read and write about. We can also suggest activities for the students so =
that they can take action and participate civically in supporting the =
policy changes that are best for them.=20

If you all buy this, then you must buy the idea that the issues that =
emerge in this listserve are part of our professional activity. On the =
other hand, if you disagree with this model, you should present your own =
educational approach with its strengths, etc. However, since, the model =
that I am suggesting is part existing, respected and accepted literacy =
instruction theory and practice, we should not attempt to silence it.

How do you all feel about this?



=20


In a message dated 5/29/2003 3:32:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, "Pam =
Creighton" <pam at literacygbr.net> writes:

>The NLA discussion group has always provided thought-provoking ideas =
and
>comments on education issues. =A0However, there seems to be little of =
that
>lately. =A0Is no one doing anything really exciting in the research =
area
>or in their centers anymore? =A0I know I'm not the only one out here =
who
>is interested in learning more about those things than reading =
political
>idealogy. =A0For that, I look to political sites, newspapers and other
>media outlets.
>
>Yes, I do believe that in a democratic republic, we should be able to
>openly speak about the issues that are important to us. =A0Yes, I do =
agree
>that it seems a little over the top to censor information on the list
>serv. =A0Yes, I am very interested in advocating for restoration of the
>cuts that have been made to educational systems (and even hope for
>increases). =A0However, I do not believe that continuing to blast the
>administration for what some see as problems will solve anything.
>Constantly harping about something we are unhappy about is not the way
>to change things. =A0Ask any petulant teenager!
>
>Have you gone to political rallies? =A0Have you taken the time to stop =
by
>and actually speak with your representative? =A0Are you active in your
>favored political party? =A0Do you write editorials to your local
>newspapers?
>
>What are some successes you've had in your advocacy work? =A0That's =
what
>we are all interested in (I think). =A0We hear enough negative =
comments;
>let's try another way!
>
>Pam Creighton
>Adult Literacy Advocates
>Baton Rouge, LA
>
>_______________________________________________
>AAACE-NLA mailing list: AAACE-NLA at lists.literacytent.org
>http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla
>LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for literacy
>http://literacytent.org
>


--=20
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