2004 bellwether – blue ridge community college 1 learning together: a family-centered literacy...
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2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 1
Learning Together:
A Family-Centered Literacy Program
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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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BienvenidosBienvenidos aa Henderson County, Henderson County, North CarolinaNorth Carolina
• Economy includes agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, service,and retirement.
• State’s largest producer of Apples—7th 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 BudgetPosition 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:
•Blue Ridge CC
Caldwell CC Edgecombe CCGuilford CC
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Enrollment Growth – 200%
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Adults Children Teachers
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Student Progress
29%
28%
43%
23%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Exit Non-completers
Completed aLevel
Progressed atSame Level
Advanced NextLevel
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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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BRCC’s 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 System’s 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 can’t 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
[email protected]. Molly Parkhill
Dean for Continuing Educaton
[email protected]. Rick Marshall
Director of Basic Skills Programs
[email protected]. Steve Norwood
Retired Principal