Monday, December 22, 2008

Orange Co Library - A Warm Goodbye from Marcia Tungate

A Warm Goodbye from Marcia Tungate
Read Writes Newsletter: Dec 08/Jan 09


Wasn’t I the lucky one?

For the past 26 years I have had the privilege to work with some of the most courageous, dedicated, committed, and fun people that ever gathered for a purpose. I am talking about all of you.

You, the learners, who faced your difficulties and stepped forward to improve your lives, and the lives of your families, by improving your literacy skills. You have allowed the rest of us an opportunity to share in your successes by your bravery, your hard work, and your (sometimes) stubborn commitment. You teach all of us how to face our fears and step into a new way of living. I thank you so much.

You, the tutors, who sat through the long days of intense training so you could make the tutoring experience a joyful and successful one for the learners. You have been willing to work in the branches, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and jails to serve your community. I know you each feel such a bond with your learners, and would face down dragons if necessary.


What Works Clearinghouse - WWC

What Works Clearinghouse - WWC

Established in 2002, the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) is a central and trusted source of scientific evidence for what works in education. An initiative of the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences:

~ Produces user-friendly practice guides for educators that address instructional challenges with research-based recommendations for schools and classrooms

~ Assesses the rigor of research evidence on the effectiveness of interventions (programs, products, practices, and policies), giving educators the tools to make informed decisions

~ Develops and implements standards for reviewing and synthesizing education research

~ Provides a public and easily accessible registry of education evaluation researchers to assist schools, school districts, and program developers with designing and carrying out rigorous evaluations.

What’s New

Houghton Mifflin: Invitations to Literacy Intervention Report Released (Dec 16)
This new Beginning Reading report looks at "Houghton Mifflin: Invitations to Literacy", an integrated K–8 reading and language arts program that is structured around themes and aims to stimulate, teach, and extend communication and thinking skills.

Lindamood Phonemic Sequencing (LiPS) Report Released (Dec 16)
The "Lindamood Phonemic Sequencing (LiPS)", formerly called the "Auditory Discrimination in Depth [ADD]" program, has been updated to include reviews of 12 studies that have been released since 2005.


Friday, December 19, 2008

National City Library - The WOWmobile (Words on Wheels)

The WOWmobile (Words on Wheels)

The WOWmobile Literacy Program delivers family literacy services to hard to reach families & care providers with children ages 0-5 years old. Books and materials for children and parents are available as well as crafts; games; puppet shows; stories; health referral services; and family literacy workshops.


Project Partners

National City Collaborative
National School District
Children's Hospital
San Diego County Children and Families Commission
San Diego County Health and Human Services


Project Highlights

Workshops have been presented on parenting skills, lead poisoning, immunization requirements, school readiness preparation, health care enrollment and asthma.

Workshop presenters have included Parents As Teachers educators, Children's Hospital Nurse Practitioners, County Health Nurse Practitioners and Community Outreach Workers, American Lung Association Health Educators, and National School District staff.