[NLA] NLA Info: NIFL Board Meeting Summary

[David J. Rosen]

From: Robbin Sorensen <rsorensen at erols.com>
Date: Fri Mar 14, 2003  3:18:09 PM US/Eastern
To: National Coalition for Literacy Listserv
<nifl-coalition at literacy.nifl.gov>, nla-request at lists.literacytent.org
Subject: NIFL Board Meeting Summary

National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board Meeting, March 4-5, 2003

Summary

Robbin Sorensen, Consultant, National Coalition for Literacy


High interest in NIFL's future and in the President's appointees to
NIFL's Advisory Board prompted me to prepare this summary of the
Board's first meeting as an informational service to all of you.   I
had the opportunity to attend the entire meeting and felt that sharing
the highlights would be useful. This summary represents my
perspective.  You are encouraged to read the official minutes of the
Advisory Board meeting, which will be posted on NIFL's Web site by the
end of the month (www.NIFL.gov).

******
ELECTIONS

Advisory Board Chair: Carmel Borders, President, Tapestry Foundation;
Austin, TX.

Vice Chair: Robin Morris, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate
Studies; Professor of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences,
Georgia State University; Atlanta, GA.

For a list of all NIFL Advisory Board members, visit NIFL's Web site
at www.nifl.gov.

******
NIFL STAFF

All current NIFL staff appointments, up for renewal on March 27,  were
extended through September 30, 2003.

******
FOCUS

The board agreed to carry out a "literacy across the life span focus."
It was agreed that the four pillars of No Child Left Behind
comprised a suitable framework for adult education.  The four pillars
include accountability for student performance, measurement,
flexibility, and achievement.

(Specifically, the four pillars include: 1. Raising academic
achievement; 2. Focusing on what works; 3. Reducing bureaucracy and
increasing flexibility; 4. Increasing options for students).

****
ACTIVITIES

The new NIFL Board sees its principle function as disseminating
quality information and products related to literacy. principle
function.  Additionally, the board prioritized the following:  (Please
note that the order, below,  is not a rank order).

*Review and assess all current NIFL activities and products to fit
NIFL's focus.

*Conduct a search for an Executive Director (required by law).

*Develop a strategic plan starting with adult education and moving
down the life span priority.

*Conduct policy analysis about literacy across the life span.

*Support the work of the Adult Literacy Research Network.

*Comment on WIA reauthorization as it relates to adult education and
bringing the four No Child Left Behind pillars to it.

****
OPERATING PRINCIPLES

Communicate with the Interagency Group regularly.

Rotate Advisory Board meetings between DOE, DOL, and HHS to enhance
the partnership.

Coordinate and collaborate efforts across federal agencies to reduce
duplication and leverage effectiveness.

Use research to inform policy.

Best,

Robbin

Roberta A. Sorensen
Executive Management Services LLC
11846 Simpson Road
Clarksville, MD  21029
301-617-0116 (P)
301-617-0119 (F)
rsorensen at erols.com






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