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

[Jeri Levesque]

David and Others on the List:

I've given much thought to Andy's proposal - one statement he made about an
earlier vision of "womb to tomb" literacy struck a chord. I don't think it
is possible to cross all domains and all ages with a clear focus on adult
literacy as a priority. I clearly recall Senator Ted Kennedy trying to
reform health care with such a broad strokes approach that failed.

It seems early literacy has more than enough advocates ranging from early
childhood special education to school based reading specialists to Head
Start, Even Start and the lot. Adult literacy has few clear lines of
interest and policy support except for sterling organizations such as NIFL.
The gesture of returning the Read First funding is noble - the statement is
clear - we applaud the administration's commitment to early literacy but
there are more appropriate venues for advancing that agenda.  Returning the
funding should help clear the deck of early literacy advocates seeking the
NIFL Board as a center of effort.

While I am but one small voice, I wholly support Andy's proposal to give
the Read First money back and move the adult literacy agenda forward.

Jeri Levesque, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Webster University
Director, Webster University Institute for Literacy Research and Evaluation

Saint Louis, MO

"David J. Rosen" wrote:

> 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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