[NLA] Discussion: Should the NCL make Andy Hartman's proposal a priority?

[Salas, Federico]

Andy's proposal deserves our attention, if nothing else for the professional
trust he inspires in the field.  I, for one, have been reading every posting
to the list regarding his proposal while trying to make up my mind.  But
before I endorse the proposal, I would like to ask what "in the real world"
may just be a rhetorical question.   

Consider Andy's statement:

"I still believe that in the proper climate, an NIFL focusing on literacy
across the lifespan was in a better position to lead and grow.for adult,
family, adolescent, and children's literacy.  But for this to occur and work
in the real world, there needs to be respect and support for ALL the
elements.otherwise the balance is lost as is the work and leadership."

Would it be better to work on garnering that "respect and support for ALL
the elements..." rather than work on a proposal to give back to DOE the
research and dissemination money (and with it the focus on K-3 ed)?   Is it
possible, in the current climate, to generate enough field support to make
sure that the vision of a "cradle to grave" literacy shop continues as a
reality worth pursuing?  Or are things so bad that a divorce is absolutely
inevitable?  Being the type that I am, when things are most difficult is
when I want to "fight" from within (that is maintain the larger vision and
fight for balance between the different interests.)  However, those of you
closer to the political climate in Washington may have a more "realistic"
outlook.

To me, Andy's proposal is both very important and very disturbing.
Important in that it may be our only chance to give NIFL its original vision
back.  Disturbing in that it seems to indicate, in the opinion of a very
respected professional, that there is currently no chance of "maintaining
[the] balance" between the literacy of our children and the literacy needs
of their parents.

I would welcome more feedback.

Federico Salas-Isnardi
Director of Adult Education
Corporate and Continuing Education Division
North Harris College
16416 Northchase Dr. #200
Houston, TX 77060
(281) 618-1170 -voice (281) 618-1179 -fax
federico.salas at nhmccd.edu

"Educating Our Global Community"



-----Original Message-----
From: David J. Rosen [mailto:DJRosen at theworld.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 12:01 PM
To: nla at lists.literacytent.org
Subject: [NLA] Discussion: Should the NCL make Andy Hartman's proposal a
priority?


NLA Colleagues,

I hear the beginning of a groundswell of support for NIFL retaining (and
strengthening) its focus on adult literacy. I think Andy's proposal
should be taken very seriously.  I welcome hearing from others on the
NLA list who have not spoken.  Do you think the National Coalition for
Literacy should make Andy's proposal one of their top priorities?

David J. Rosen
NLA List Moderator

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