Dear Colleagues,
The next VLLC meeting will be held from 5-6 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at the COABE Conference in Crowne Plaza Williamsburg at Fort Magruder. Please look for the location of the meeting on the general announcement board at the conference. The meeting is scheduled after the workshops.
The purpose of this gathering will be to discuss advocacy issues and DOE Office of Adult Literacy issues for programs that received CBLO and EL Civics grants.
Patti Donnelly
President, VLLC
Executive Director, Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
pdonnelly@lcnv.org
703-237-0866
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
Immigration Bill Killed
To all my colleagues in Adult Literacy and Language Education:
The immigration bill died in the U.S. Senate. That does not mean that the debate is over. Those of us who serve immigrant language learners should pay close attention to what is happening at the State level.
All of our Delegates to the State Legislature will be up for re-election this coming fall. Please be aware of where the candidates stand on issues of adult education and laws affecting our language learners. The summer is the time to get to know your legislators and candidates for local office. This is the time to promote your programs, the importance of the work we do and the value added to the economy with every student success story.
Please advance our agenda now and during the election, so we will not be faced with critical battles during next year's legislative session.
Many thanks,
Patricia Donnelly, Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
Patricia M. Donnelly
Executive Director
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
p) 703-237-0866
f) 703-237-2863
email: pdonnelly@lcnv.org
The immigration bill died in the U.S. Senate. That does not mean that the debate is over. Those of us who serve immigrant language learners should pay close attention to what is happening at the State level.
All of our Delegates to the State Legislature will be up for re-election this coming fall. Please be aware of where the candidates stand on issues of adult education and laws affecting our language learners. The summer is the time to get to know your legislators and candidates for local office. This is the time to promote your programs, the importance of the work we do and the value added to the economy with every student success story.
Please advance our agenda now and during the election, so we will not be faced with critical battles during next year's legislative session.
Many thanks,
Patricia Donnelly, Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
Patricia M. Donnelly
Executive Director
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
p) 703-237-0866
f) 703-237-2863
email: pdonnelly@lcnv.org
Thursday, June 14, 2007
CBLO Assurances
Email from Randy Stamper, June 12, 2007
This is to notify managers of community-based literacy organizations who plan to apply for funding from the Office of Adult Education and Literacy for fiscal year 2007-2008 that the assurances required with the funding application have been updated. The new assurances have been
posted on the Office of Adult Education and Literacy's Web site at the link below. Please complete and submit the new, one-page statement of assurances with your application for funding. Thank you.
Click here to view the update
This is to notify managers of community-based literacy organizations who plan to apply for funding from the Office of Adult Education and Literacy for fiscal year 2007-2008 that the assurances required with the funding application have been updated. The new assurances have been
posted on the Office of Adult Education and Literacy's Web site at the link below. Please complete and submit the new, one-page statement of assurances with your application for funding. Thank you.
Click here to view the update
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
CBLO DOE Grant Applications
Please note the changes in eligible funding levels. According to the chart, all literacy programs can apply for a DOE grant. However, this process is extremely competitive, and unless you can guarantee that your program will adhere to strict grant requirements and can demonstrate that it can realistically attain National Reporting System goals, I would suggest thinking carefully about applying.
Click here to find the CBLO grant application.
Grant application deadline is June 22, 2007.
NOTE ON Page 10: Programs that use the VLF database will be able to continue exporting information into the DOE web based system for one year. Next year, 2008-2009, this practice will not be allowed.
Second change: Be extremely careful in allocating funds for your budget. This year, every change in your budget will need to be approved first. The turn around time takes two weeks, and you are not guaranteed an approval. Programs purchasing equipment that is not specified in their grant, and for which they did not receive budget change approval, will not be reimbursed for this purchase.
I will post more about the RFP next week.
Click here to find the CBLO grant application.
Grant application deadline is June 22, 2007.
NOTE ON Page 10: Programs that use the VLF database will be able to continue exporting information into the DOE web based system for one year. Next year, 2008-2009, this practice will not be allowed.
Second change: Be extremely careful in allocating funds for your budget. This year, every change in your budget will need to be approved first. The turn around time takes two weeks, and you are not guaranteed an approval. Programs purchasing equipment that is not specified in their grant, and for which they did not receive budget change approval, will not be reimbursed for this purchase.
I will post more about the RFP next week.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Heard at the ABE Planning and Management Meeting, April 30
To sum up Elizabeth Hawa's introduction:
Until WIA Reauthorization, all funding will be decided year-to-year. Continuation applications are available for ABE programs. CBLO applications are currently being prepared.
Accountability is still a buzzword at the federal level.
Other points of interest:
1) In April, the DOE sent in an EL/Civics application to the Feds. The are still waiting for word on funds. What you need to know about the next EL/Civics grants:
3) Mr. Suh is also working on the RFPs for the new CBLO grants. We do not know when the grant proposals will be ready.
4) Expect changes in the web based data system, which Shannon Beasly is working on.
5) Expect a new assessment policy in the policy and procedures manual by the end of this fiscal year.
6) Expect a new goal setting policy.
7) A universal intake form is being designed.
8)Monitoring and Evaluation components for the new grants include
9) Funds tracking forms having changed. They will help you keep better track of expenditures.
Elizabeth Hawa's suggestions for writing DOE grants:
Also NOTE page 10 of the ABE rfp. After next year, programs will not be allowed to import data into the DOE web based system.
To view the ABE RFP, please click here.
Until WIA Reauthorization, all funding will be decided year-to-year. Continuation applications are available for ABE programs. CBLO applications are currently being prepared.
Accountability is still a buzzword at the federal level.
Other points of interest:
1) In April, the DOE sent in an EL/Civics application to the Feds. The are still waiting for word on funds. What you need to know about the next EL/Civics grants:
- EL/Civics grants will be competitive
- The DOE is under pressure to integrate EL Literacy with EL/Civics in ALL grants
3) Mr. Suh is also working on the RFPs for the new CBLO grants. We do not know when the grant proposals will be ready.
4) Expect changes in the web based data system, which Shannon Beasly is working on.
5) Expect a new assessment policy in the policy and procedures manual by the end of this fiscal year.
6) Expect a new goal setting policy.
7) A universal intake form is being designed.
8)Monitoring and Evaluation components for the new grants include
- Monthly web-based NRS data reporting
- Desk audits (these are informal)
- Site visits
- A year-end evaluation (a report card for every program)
9) Funds tracking forms having changed. They will help you keep better track of expenditures.
Elizabeth Hawa's suggestions for writing DOE grants:
- Write your proposals from the angle of program improvement
- Demonstrate the need for your program using facts and statistics
- Consider something unusual, like offering traditional literacy services with Distance Learning instruction.
- Describe HOW you will manage your program, but mostly focus on instructional resources. Make instruction your centerpiece.
- History of success is important, but you should also acknowledge what didn't work and how you will build on your knowledge
Also NOTE page 10 of the ABE rfp. After next year, programs will not be allowed to import data into the DOE web based system.
To view the ABE RFP, please click here.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
VLLC Meeting in Keysville, May 17th, 2007
The Literacy Fair will be held Thursday, May 17, 2007 on the John H. Daniel Campus of Southside Virginia Community College in Keysville.
New on the agenda this year is a VLLC meeting, which has been put on the schedule. The Virginia Literacy Leadership Coalition is an organization designed to support directors, administrators, and staff of community based literacy organizations, and provide an information networking service for CBLO staff. Annette Loschert, vice president of the organization, and Vicky Sanborn, who represents the Virginia Literacy Foundation and Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center, will lead the discussions.
Discussions include:
Annette Loschert
1. From Literacy to Community College - A continuum of learning
2 Community partnerships
Victoire Sanborn
3. Quick update about the DOE, grants, and future plans for the VLF database
If you have not seen the Literacy Fair agenda, click on this link,
PLEASE LET ME KNOW if you are planning on attending this session by May 12.
Registration materials are on the Literacy Fair website above. Send completed registration materials and a check to the address on the Registration Form.
For questions about the meeting, contact Victoire Sanborn at 800-237-0178 or vjsanbor@vcu.edu
New on the agenda this year is a VLLC meeting, which has been put on the schedule. The Virginia Literacy Leadership Coalition is an organization designed to support directors, administrators, and staff of community based literacy organizations, and provide an information networking service for CBLO staff. Annette Loschert, vice president of the organization, and Vicky Sanborn, who represents the Virginia Literacy Foundation and Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center, will lead the discussions.
Discussions include:
Annette Loschert
1. From Literacy to Community College - A continuum of learning
2 Community partnerships
Victoire Sanborn
3. Quick update about the DOE, grants, and future plans for the VLF database
If you have not seen the Literacy Fair agenda, click on this link,
PLEASE LET ME KNOW if you are planning on attending this session by May 12.
Registration materials are on the Literacy Fair website above. Send completed registration materials and a check to the address on the Registration Form.
For questions about the meeting, contact Victoire Sanborn at 800-237-0178 or vjsanbor@vcu.edu
Friday, February 16, 2007
Immigrant Bill Killed
From Patti Donnelly:
Great news! Kerrie Wilson just called from Richmond after attending the Sentate Rehabilitation and Social Service Sub-committee. HB2937 was killed in sub-committee! This is the bill that would have restricted our ability to serve immigrants without proper documentation. It was defeated by one vote. Unfortunately it was a partisan vote. We certainly have some work to do between sessions to ensure that no such bill gets introduced again next year.
Great news! Kerrie Wilson just called from Richmond after attending the Sentate Rehabilitation and Social Service Sub-committee. HB2937 was killed in sub-committee! This is the bill that would have restricted our ability to serve immigrants without proper documentation. It was defeated by one vote. Unfortunately it was a partisan vote. We certainly have some work to do between sessions to ensure that no such bill gets introduced again next year.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
February 6th Meeting
The QuAL-D Participants met in the morning to study and discuss the new VLF Survey Form. Changes are being made, and as soon as the new Survey Form is completed, we'll post it on this site.
The Agenda for the afternoon VLLC meeting, presided over by Patti Donnelly, was:
1. Review of Latino Legislative Day
2. Review of VAACE Legislative Day
3. Advocating throughout the year
4. Request for presenters at ProLitearcy Conference, Nov 7-10
5. Staffing opportunities through the Corporation for National and Community Service
Members present:
Janet Booth, Eastern Shore Literacy Council
Linda Richardson, Eastern Shore Literacy Council
Beth Rodgers, Skyline Literacy Coalition
Suwatna Sugg, Refugee and Immigration Services
Amy White, Hogar Hispano
Phil Spencer, Hogar Hispano
Sonya Jacob, BEACON
Annette Loschert, LV Roanoke Valley
Patti Donnelly, LVNVA
Victoire Sanborn, VALRC
Catherine Norrell, Good Shepherd Baptist Church
Caroline Zong, LV of Prince William County
Susan Clemens, Peninsula READS
Carol Holmquist, The READ Center
Nancy FAzzone, Rita Welsh Adult Literacy
Ginger Hilleary, LV of Fauquier County
Debra Hill, The READ Center
Donna Webster, LV of NRV
Geri Nardacci, Goochland
Please click here to read the minutes.
The Agenda for the afternoon VLLC meeting, presided over by Patti Donnelly, was:
1. Review of Latino Legislative Day
2. Review of VAACE Legislative Day
3. Advocating throughout the year
4. Request for presenters at ProLitearcy Conference, Nov 7-10
5. Staffing opportunities through the Corporation for National and Community Service
Members present:
Janet Booth, Eastern Shore Literacy Council
Linda Richardson, Eastern Shore Literacy Council
Beth Rodgers, Skyline Literacy Coalition
Suwatna Sugg, Refugee and Immigration Services
Amy White, Hogar Hispano
Phil Spencer, Hogar Hispano
Sonya Jacob, BEACON
Annette Loschert, LV Roanoke Valley
Patti Donnelly, LVNVA
Victoire Sanborn, VALRC
Catherine Norrell, Good Shepherd Baptist Church
Caroline Zong, LV of Prince William County
Susan Clemens, Peninsula READS
Carol Holmquist, The READ Center
Nancy FAzzone, Rita Welsh Adult Literacy
Ginger Hilleary, LV of Fauquier County
Debra Hill, The READ Center
Donna Webster, LV of NRV
Geri Nardacci, Goochland
Please click here to read the minutes.
Friday, January 26, 2007
New VLLC and Data Meeting Scheduled
Mark your calendars for February 6. We have scheduled a meeting at The READ Center in Richmond from 12:30 - 5 pm for all interested program directors and their staff to discuss: data collection and how it drives improvement; updates on the VLF survey; and the kinds of information you think is important to manage your programs. In addition, we will have a short VLLC meeting afterward. Lunch will be served.
February 6th date coincides with VAACE's Legislative Day, when many people are already planning to be in town to meet with their legislators. Please plan to remain for the afternoon to network with your colleagues!
People/programs attending so far:
February 6th date coincides with VAACE's Legislative Day, when many people are already planning to be in town to meet with their legislators. Please plan to remain for the afternoon to network with your colleagues!
People/programs attending so far:
- Christine and Mark Antonucci, Tidewater
- Suwhatna Sugg, Refugee and Immigration,Richmond
- Sonya Jacob, BEACON
- Dutchie Kidd, Charlottesville/Albemarle
- Patti Donnelly, Northern Virginia
- Annette Loschert, Roanoke
- Nancy Chapin, Roanoke
- Victoire Sanborn, Richmond
- Caroline Zong, LV Prince William County
- Meghan Foster & Susan Clemens, Peninsula READS
- Carol Holmquist & Debra Hill, The READ Center
- Janet Booth & Linda Richardson, Eastern Shore Literacy Council
- Ginger Hilleary, LV of Fauquier County
- Amy White & Phil Spencer, Hogar Hispano
- Beth Rodgers, Skyline Literacy Coalition
- Nancy Fazzone, Rita Welsh
- Diana Tobias, Cathy Woods, RoseMary Sunderland, Culpeper Literacy Council
- Carolyn Cothran, Campbell County
- Geri Nardacci, Goochland
- Catherine Norrell, VALRC
Lifelong Learning Week, February 5-9
This year, Lifelong Learning Week is February 5-9. Please make an effort to celebrate it with your students, volunteers, and the community at large.The goals of Lifelong Learning Week include:
• Increasing public awareness, understanding, and support of adult and continuing education,
• Celebrating the efforts, achievements and contributions of adult learners, educators and providers,
• Promoting the importance of adult learning to the wider community,
• Encouraging more adults to access learning opportunities, and
• Promoting Race to GED.
Suggested activities for the week include:
• Developing PSA Announcements to air in your locality (See Resource Center handbook for templates and suggestions),
• Visiting your local governing body’s website. School boards and city councils often display the pictures of its current members and give the agenda for the next meeting and other pertinent information,
• Attending your local governing body’s monthly meeting,
• Inviting elected officials to visit your program and talk with your students,
• Hosting an open house at your school and inviting community leaders,
• Visiting the State Legislative Web site with your adult learners (http://www.legis.state.va.us),
• Asking the mayor to sign a local proclamation,
• Partnering with local media to publish success stories,
• Sponsoring “Share a Hobby Day” where adult learners can teach others about something they enjoy, and
• Using your creativity to develop activities and use resources that are available in your area.
This year's proclamation was signed by Governor Timothy Kaine.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
2007 VAACE Fact Sheet
Double click on images to see readable document. Or go to the VAACE website to download a PDF document. The 2007 Fact Sheet is not yet available. Keep checking. It should be ready for Legislative Day.
Legislative Day: Activities for February 6th
Each year VAACE schedules legislative day for the first Tuesday in February. This year that day falls on the 6th. Below is the information Jane Swing, President of Vaace, sent over. You might contact your RLCC lead agent to see how you can join in, or visit the VAACE website at www.vaace.org for more information. Click here to enter.Dale Temple has been communicating with the RLCCs (Regional Literacy Coordinating Committees).
The plans so far are:
The VAACE board will meet at the Crowne Plaza Richmond on Monday, February the 5th. RLCC members will join the group at 1:00 p.m. for assembly of materials for distribution.
Some rooms are reserved at the Crowne Plaza for this purpose.
Early Tuesday morning, the group will meet in the hotel lobby to go to legislature building. They should be finished by noon. Our database meeting and VLLC meeting will begin at 12:30 at the READ Center, just a 15 minute drive from the Capitol Building.
Here is some contact information:
Jane Swing, VAACE President
H-jane_swing@yahoo.com
W- jswing@radford.edu
H- gdcepet@cox.net
W- dbergtholdt@vcu.edu
Troilen Seward, Legislative Liaison
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Meeting Survey
Dear Colleagues,
Your opinions are important to us! The VLLC board would like to know your thoughts about meetings, how often we should meet, and where. Please take a few moments to click your answers and we will publish the results after 30 days. You may click more than one box.
Making additional comments: If you would like to make a comment, please click on the word "comments" at the bottom of this post . You may make suggestions anonymously or sign with your name. When you've made a comment, click on "Publish." You do not need to be a member of blogger in order to comment.
Thank you for your input!
Your opinions are important to us! The VLLC board would like to know your thoughts about meetings, how often we should meet, and where. Please take a few moments to click your answers and we will publish the results after 30 days. You may click more than one box.
Making additional comments: If you would like to make a comment, please click on the word "comments" at the bottom of this post . You may make suggestions anonymously or sign with your name. When you've made a comment, click on "Publish." You do not need to be a member of blogger in order to comment.
Thank you for your input!
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