NLA Discussion: Adult Learner Information

[Miriam Temple]

David - In response to your request for information about new adult learners:
Iowa had its first statewide adult learner conference in 1990. This event has 
occurred every even year in September, so, therefore we have had 4. The next 
one comes up in 1998. For the last 2, we have had some Illinois readers join 
us and it has been great! Since the conferences have been held in a motel, 
the numbers have been limited, so the groups run from 45-50. They become
very close and get to know each other well. Each time, a planning committee 
volunteers by signing up for the next 2 years of activities. Twenty people 
sign up. The conferences are planned by the students and they are the mc's 
and session leaders. The Iowa Literacy Council and IA Dept. of Education have 
supported them financially and have performed functions that make the events 
go smoother. Archie has been the cornerstone of the Iowa Adult Literacy 
Congresses through the years, but he has encouraged others to become leaders 
and we have several that are showing the leadership within them. 


Miriam Temple
Dept. of Education
Grimes State Office Bldg.
Des Moines, IA  50319-0146
(515)281-3640
mtemple at max.state.ia.us