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

[Mary Ann Corley]

I agree with you, Barbara.  I think it would be inflammatory for us to
attempt to "give back the money" and I believe that such a move would only
hurt us, as a field, in the long run.  (In any event, I'm not sure that a
federal agency CAN "give back federal monies"--Please correct me if I'm
wrong.)

I believe it would be far better for the field to attempt to advocate for
literacy across the lifespan, work out collaborations across the literacy
field (yes, cradle-to-grave programming), and have the Institute be viewed
as the National Institute for LITERACY--not just adult literacy.  But we'd
need to advocate hard and long to ensure that adult literacy has a place at
the table.  Are we willing to expend the effort that would take?  I don't
know. . .but something doesn't sit right with me in the suggestion of
"giving back the money."

Just my gut reaction to the recent discussion, for what it's worth. . .

-Mary Ann Corley
Principal Research Analyst
American Institutes for Research
Washington, DC

----- Original Message -----
From: "Barbara Garner" <barbara_garner at jsi.com>
To: <nla at lists.literacytent.org>; <DJRosen at theworld.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2002 5:05 AM
Subject: Re: [NLA] Discussion: Should the NCL make Andy Hartman'sproposal a
priority?


> I'm hesitant on Andy's proposal. While I can't deny the years of
> experience that he and Alice Johnson bring to this deliberation, I
> wonder if "giving back the money" will lead to the NIFL's demise.
>
> Couldn't we use the partnership with k-12 and early childhood to our
> advantage? To educate those constituencies and power brokers about the
> differences between adult and child literacy issues? To get more money
> for research by proposing joint research projects (for example, shakey
> readers often stall in the middle school years; just as adult learners
> who are making up for lost years often stall at the pre-GED stage---what
> similarities are there, what interventions would work for both?)
> I wonder if, during this period, we should keep a low profile and build
> advocates and come out stronger in the next administration?
> Barb Garner
> NCSALL/Focus on Basics
> Boston, MA
>
> >>> DJRosen at theworld.com 07/09 1:00 PM >>>
> 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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