[NLA] A Statement of Return on Investment

[Debbie Yoho]

I like Nancy's phrase "quality of life umbrella".  Therein lies the
difference.  To some, literacy education is about quality of life.  To
others, it is about expending resources to get back something in return.  

This thread created a lively dialog in our office.  We ended up drafting a
"Statement of Core Values" to declare why we do what we do, and how. It
will become a poster. Here's what it says:

1.  We are providing opportunities for lifelong learning, not remedial
education.
2.  Literacy is a civil right, the foundation of democracy. Everyone has
the right to access to lifelong learning opportunities.  Barriers are
challenges to be eliminated.
3.  Adults expect and deserve customized, personalized service. 
4.  People learn in different ways, at different rates, and for different
reasons. 
5.  We are with you for as long as you need us.   There is no such thing as
an "average learner, there is no such thing as the "best way to learn", nor
is there an end to the learning process.
6.  We seek to "change the direction of their lives", not "change their
lives".
7.  Adult education should be learner-lead, not just learner-centered.
8.  We believe in readiness, not "compliance".
9.  Mistakes are opportunities to learn.
10.  The learning process is a partnership, not a teacher/student
relationship.
11.  The process begins by starting where the learner is.

Also, at a conference I attended recently, I picked up some ideas and
created "7 Outcomes When Volunteers Tutor Adults in Reading and Language
Skills". Here's the list (not meant to be definitive): 

1.  Community connections are created.
2.  Wholesome families grow.
3.  Kids do better.
4.  Knowledge is applied to real life.
5.  Employment barriers are eliminated.
6.  The cycle of poverty is broken.
7.  The community prepares for the future.

If any of this is useful to anyone, feel free to adopt it to your purposes.
Cheers!  Debbie  

Deborah W. Yoho
Co-moderator, NIFL-Health Listserv
President, SC Adult Literacy Educators
Executive Director, Greater Columbia Literacy Council
2728 Devine Street,  Columbia, SC  29205
803-765-2555   Fax  803-779-8417   dwyoho at earthlink.net


> [Original Message]
> From: <Nashansen at aol.com>
> To: <dwyoho at earthlink.net>
> Date: 4/4/2003 9:11:41 AM
> Subject: Return on Investment thread
>
> Thanks, Debbie, for coming back to all of us with "the answer" about the 
> question whether research has been done regarding this question.  
>
>  was just reassured to read that it's a "Workforce Literacy" piece of
data.  
> That takes on a whole different meaning in my view than determining "the 
> return" for adults who are improving life skills within a quality of life 
> umbrella.  Does it to you as well?
>
> Thanks for "doing the research".  Isn't it ironic though!
>
> Nancy Hansen
> Sioux Falls Area Literacy Council
> sfallsliteracy at yahoo.com OR Nashansen at aol.com



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