2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 1 Learning Together: A Family-Centered Literacy Program

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 1

Learning Together:

A Family-Centered Literacy Program



Western North Carolina


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.


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


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)


Identified Needs of Hispanic Population

• Transitioning to permanent employment

• Limited English proficiency

• Native Language Illiteracy

• Lacking Civics knowledge


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


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


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


General Educational Development Instruction

• Offered 2 nights/week

• Instruction provided in both English and Spanish

• Native Language Literacy instruction


Child Care for Preschoolers

• Funded by Smart Start and BRCC Educational foundation

• Fluency-building games and activities

• Snacks provided by PTO


Tutoring forSchool Aged Children

• Certified Instructor (funded by Title I)

• Homework assistance

• Volunteers– High school

students– Girl Scouts– Private citizens– Parents


Spanish Classes for School Personnel

• One evening a week• Tuition-free• Command

Spanish™ curriculum

• “Guilt-free” attendance

• Mexico Immersion Trip


“Intercambio”

• Hispanic learners practice with school personnel

• Bridge cultures• Relationship

building


Cultural Awareness

• Guest Speakers• Discussions• Topics Covered

– Families– Music and Dance– Politics– Educational

Opportunities– Nutrition– Social issues


Program Sites

Etowah Elem


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


…and beyond:

•Blue Ridge CC

Caldwell CC Edgecombe CCGuilford CC


Enrollment Growth – 200%

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Adults Children Teachers


Student Progress

29%

28%

43%

23%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Exit Non-completers

Completed aLevel

Progressed atSame Level

Advanced NextLevel


•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


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


BRCC’s Role

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


Public School System’s Role• Supports purpose• Provides facility• Coordinates Activities • Recruits and employs

tutorial staff


Other Volunteers

• Child Care– Girl Scouts– Faith community

• Tutoring– High School students– Private citizens– Blue Ridge Literacy Council

• Refreshments– Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)


Other Volunteers


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


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


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


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

[email protected]

Documents

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 1 Learning Together: A Family-Centered Literacy Program