Audrey Thomas has been confirmed in the position of Education Officer, Developmental Programs, for the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology (MAETT), Colleges and Program Planning Branch.

This position, which takes effect on April 6, 1998, is now a regular government (FTE) position. The positions of ABE Coordinator (since 1987) and Literacy Coordinator (since 1989) have always been seconded/ contract positions.

Audrey started with the then Ministry of Skills, Training and Labour in November 1994 as the Literacy Coordinator. Since July 1,1997, when the Literacy and ABE Coordinator's positions were combined, Audrey has had responsibility for both of these program areas. Her new position includes both literacy and ABE.

In 1989, The Provincial Literacy Advisory Committee (PLAC) Report called for the conversion of the literacy of the literacy coordinator's position into a regular government position.

Literacy Research in Practice - Beginning a
BC Network
by Audrey Thomas

Literacy research has had a low profile at the regional and local level in British Columbia. In recent years, much money has gone into macro-studies such as LSUDA* (Statistics Canada, 1989), and IALS** (1995 and 1997). Provincially, several solid reports have been produced on various themes through the federal-provincial adult literacy cost-shared fund and other Ministry programs. In addition, the National Literacy Secretariat (NLS) has funded demonstration projects in BC.

The NLS held a research policy conversation in February 1996, and has recently produced a Literacy Research Framework paper. Some initiatives have already emerged across Canada from this event. At the Project Literacy Victoria Investing in the Future Forum in November, 1997, two round-tables were held to test the level of interest in problem-solving literacy research. Much enthusiasm was expressed by those present.

A follow-up working day was held in Vancouver on February 6 this year. About 18 people met in order to explore interests and ideas further. The event was organized and hosted by MAETT in co-operation with the Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology. Invitees were participants in the November round tables and others currently involved in literacy research through NLS/cost-shared funding.

Sharing of ideas, information, concerns and procedures were part of the day. There was a feeling that more attention should be given to practitioner research. Much of this could be funded through the literacy cost-shared grants. Practitioners could, with some additional training and resources, incorporate research into their program activity as an ongoing way of critically examining and reflecting on their practice.

The groups suggested that:

• the conversation be continued through the B.C. literacy electronic network
• opportunities for training be utilized - for example, the upcoming Literacy B.C. Summer Institute will feature a one-week course on action research
• an event be held in the fall of 1998 to bring together practitioners and researchers to explore more fully the various research options and to prepare for research activities

Problem-posing practical research can be a reality in BC. By working together, we can nurture the process, build a network of interested practitioners and researchers, enhance our professional development, provide a basis for collaborative processes in different areas of the province and improve our practice This is an exciting challenge!

Copies of the handouts and notes from the November Round Table and the February 6 event can be obtained from Literacy BC.

*LSUDA = Survey of Literacy Skills Used in Daily Activities.
**IALS = International Adult Literacy Survey