Volume 13, Issue 2 Fall 2024 Fusing Social and Emotional Learning, Creative Arts, and Mindfulness into the Family Literacy Classroom
    Author: Tara Lisciandro
    Subject Area: Literacy
    Program Level: COABE Journal
    Material Type: Journal
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    The innovative material integration of mindfulness and social and emotional learning (SEL) introduces a novel approach to teaching within the context of the family literacy classroom. Recognizing the interconnectedness of cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal skills in the learning process, this article proposes a holistic framework that promotes not only literacy development but also emotional intelligence and well-being for both children and their families.
    Volume 13, Issue 2 Fall 2024 What’s Missing From Adult Education?: Functional Literacy Skills and the Generational Cycle of Poverty
    Author: Christopher Richards
    Subject Area: Literacy, WIOA
    Program Level: COABE Journal
    Material Type: Journal
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Adult education has changed tremendously over the past 20 years, with a deemphasis on core literacy skills. These changes have had a negative effect on family literacy and have changed the educational aims of adult programs, which are compelled to focus on workforce training and development. This reflection from an educator in the field who has witnessed the hardships faced by families struggling with basic literacy skills concludes with a call to action. Readers are encouraged to reach out to representatives and stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of family literacy and basic literacy education.
    Volume 13, Issue 2 Fall 2024 Family Literacy Sustainability: Institutionalizing into the School Community
    Author: Sue Pon
    Subject Area: Literacy
    Program Level: COABE Journal
    Material Type: Journal
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    While discussions of sustaining family literacy programs often focus on funding, this discussion focuses on program sustainability through institutionalizing intergenerational family literacy programs into the larger context of the school community.
    Volume 13, Issue 2 Fall 2024 The Powerful Role of Family Literacy Partnerships for Community Integration
    Author: Elizabeth A. Ljubic
    Subject Area: ESL/ELL, Literacy, Workforce
    Program Level: COABE Journal
    Material Type: Journal
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Maryland’s family literacy programs are built on a foundation of partnerships. Both Prince George’s Community College and Community College of Baltimore County have built strong family literacy programming through their partnerships with the Family Support Center of Prince George’s County and Baltimore County Public Schools. In Prince George’s County, community integration has taken place through a focus on workforce development as a key component in the family literacy adult education classes. In Baltimore County, the focus for family literacy students has been school integration. Student stories illustrate the importance of strategic community partnerships to create unified communities and a stronger, more skilled workforce in Maryland.
    Volume 13, Issue 2 Fall 2024 Family Motivated Projects to Empower Adult English Learners in the Digital Age
    Author: Cassandra Kramer & Xavier Muñoz
    Program Level: COABE Journal
    Material Type: Journal
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This article discusses how educators can bridge the digital divide for adult English language learners (ELLs) through mini-projects that are tied to family learning. These family motivated projects aim to boost learners’ English language proficiency and digital skills necessary for job readiness, and, most significantly, create stronger connections with their families. This article provides an overview of the learner demographics and programs at one nonprofit organization, the English Empowerment Center, and explains the key factors considered in designing the mini-projects. The authors discuss how the digital skills were chosen, common barriers to digital access, the importance of student motivation and digital resilience, and the role of weaving together multiple literacies. Examples of mini-projects focused on community and school connections are shared, along with outcomes related to digital skill development, family engagement, and learner confidence in supporting their children’s education.
    Volume 13, Issue 2 Fall 2024 We Go to School Together: The Power of Adult ESL Classes on Elementary School Campuses
    Author: Hilary Schardein & Carin Fractor, EdD
    Subject Area: ESL/ELL, Literacy
    Program Level: COABE Journal
    Material Type: Journal
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This article describes an interdistrict collaborative project between a K–6 elementary school district and a 7–12 high school district’s adult school to provide ESL classes to family members of elementary school students on two elementary campuses during the school day. Program development required consideration of multiple factors, including security concerns, adult campus access, and technology access for faculty and adult students. The districts also developed a new recruitment and enrollment process to ensure adult students met the criteria for inclusion in the classes. Results from the first year of the project demonstrate that the ESL classes on the elementary campuses had higher attendance rates, higher measurable skills gains, and an overwhelmingly positive response from the districts, school sites, adult students, and the elementary school children of the adult students. This program is presented as a model for other districts and agencies to duplicate.
    Volume 13, Issue 2 Fall 2024 Braiding Together Family Literacy and Health Literacy: Insights Into New Program Development
    Author: Bree Straayer, PhD & Wendy Falb, PhD
    Subject Area: ESL/ELL, Health, Literacy
    Program Level: COABE Journal
    Material Type: Journal
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    One of the largest family literacy providers in the Midwest shares a new initiative to bring the family literacy model to health care facilities as a means for providing families with deeper health literacy and language. The article details the early stages of program development, from codesign and deep-listening principles to the findings from the full program implementation. From these findings, we explore ways family literacy can bring important community conversations to the clinical space and inform future medical health literacy development.
    Volume 13, Issue 2 Fall 2024 Launching and Sustaining Family Literacy Programs Led by Adult Education
    Author: Elizabeth Severson-Irby, PhD, Rachel Ambrose, & Lynn McGregor
    Subject Area: Literacy
    Program Level: COABE Journal
    Material Type: Journal
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    There is a strong correlation between a parent’s educational and literacy attainment and their child’s early language and literacy development (Lyesmaya et al., 2022) and overall literacy skills (Clymer et al., 2017). Family literacy is one way to address and strengthen the literacy needs of the whole family. This article provides information on how one state navigated the challenges and success of planning and implementing family literacy programs in the adult education context and concludes with an example from one locality.