Learning Together: A Family-Centered Literacy Program

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Learning TogetherA Family-Centered Literacy
Program
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(No Transcript)
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Western North Carolina
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Blue Ridge Community College-a place for new
beginnings.

• Comprehensive College
• 31 Associate Degree Programs
• 25 Diploma Programs
• 111 Certificate Programs
• 4 Articulated Programs
• Superior College recognized by the NC Community
  College System as one of the top three community
  colleges in the state.

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Bienvenidos a Henderson County, North Carolina

• Economy includes agriculture, tourism,
  manufacturing, service,and retirement.
• States largest producer of Apples7th in the
  nation.
• Farm income is over 113 million a year
• Majority of farm workers are migrants

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Hispanics in Henderson County

• Estimated Hispanic population 7,000
• Increase of 650 from 1990-2000
• Fastest growth rate of Hispanics in WNC
• 285.6 increase in Latino student population
  (K-12)

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Identified Needs of Hispanic Population

• Transitioning to permanent employment
• Limited English proficiency
• Native Language Illiteracy
• Lacking Civics knowledge

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Goals of Family-Centered Literacy program

• Provide accessible English Literacy
• Provide GED instruction
• Provide civics education
• Provide support services for preschool and school
  age children
• Create partnerships to maximize resources

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7 Major Components

• English (ESOL) classes for parents
• General Educational Development
• Child care for preschoolers
• Tutoring for school-age children
• Spanish classes for school personnel
• Intercambio for practice and to bridge cultures
• Cultural awareness

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ESOL classes for parents

• Offered 2 nights/week
• Competency-based Instruction
• Civics Education
• Local, state and federal government
• Responsibilities of citizenship
• Employability and parenting skills
• Computer Literacy

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General Educational Development Instruction

• Offered 2 nights/week
• Instruction provided in both English and Spanish
• Native Language Literacy instruction

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Child Care for Preschoolers

• Funded by Smart Start and BRCC Educational
  foundation
• Fluency-building games and activities
• Snacks provided by PTO

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Tutoring forSchool Aged Children

• Certified Instructor (funded by Title I)
• Homework assistance
• Volunteers
• High school students
• Girl Scouts
• Private citizens
• Parents

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Spanish Classes for School Personnel

• One evening a week
• Tuition-free
• Command Spanish curriculum
• Guilt-free attendance
• Mexico Immersion Trip

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Intercambio

• Hispanic learners practice with school personnel
• Bridge cultures
• Relationship building

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Cultural Awareness

• Guest Speakers
• Discussions
• Topics Covered
• Families
• Music and Dance
• Politics
• Educational Opportunities
• Nutrition
• Social issues

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Program Sites
Etowah Elem
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Estimated Budget
Position Cost Source
ESOL Instructor 3,000 College
Child Care 2,600 BRCC Educational Foundation
Building Supervisor 2,600 College/School
Tutors 3,875 Title I
Educational Materials 325 College
Snacks 325 PTO
Total 13,400
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and beyond
Guilford CC
Edgecombe CC
Caldwell CC

• Blue Ridge CC

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Enrollment Growth 200
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Student Progress
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75 of students who identified education as a
goal enrolled in higher education.During the
2003-2004 academic year, the College experienced
a 47 increase in Hispanic enrollment.
Educational Goals Met
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Community Collaboration

• Blue Ridge Community College
• Henderson County Public Schools
• Blue Ridge Literacy Council
• Girl Scouts
• High School Clubs
• NC Smart Start
• Private Citizen Volunteers
• Faith Community

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BRCCs Role

• Provide ESOL Instructors
• Provide curriculum materials
• Employ building supervisor
• Assist in publicity
• Assist in coordination
• Provide child care

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Public School Systems Role

• Supports purpose
• Provides facility
• Coordinates Activities
• Recruits and employs tutorial staff

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Other Volunteers

• Child Care
• Girl Scouts
• Faith community
• Tutoring
• High School students
• Private citizens
• Blue Ridge Literacy Council
• Refreshments
• Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

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Other Volunteers
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Benefits to Schools

• Positive parent involvement with immigrant
  population
• Improved school performance of students
• Enhanced school climate and community image
• Promotion of educational opportunities, language
  and cultural assimilation

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Benefits to the Community

• Building of trust and harmonious relationships
• Inclusion of educators and others
• Collaboration of community leaders, agencies
• Reduces feelings of isolation, fear, suspicion

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Lessons Learned

• Set clear and realistic objectives
• Periodic information-sharing and evaluation is
  essential
• Listen to concerns of parents, children, and
  teachers
• Culture cant be separated from language
• Adopt a specific curriculum each program year
• Establish and maintain good relationships with
  immigrant parents

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For More Information

• Dr. David W. Sink, Jr.President
• davidsink_at_blueridge.edu
• Dr. Molly ParkhillDean for Continuing Educaton
• mollyp_at_blueridge.edu
• Mr. Rick MarshallDirector of Basic Skills
  Programs
• rickm_at_blueridge.edu
• Mr. Steve NorwoodRetired Principal
• stevenorwood_at_hotmail.com