WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LITERACY?

At Literacy BC we use a variety of methods for disseminating news and information to the field. Yet, still more information passes through our office that we would like to pass along. To that end, we have a service called What’s Happening in Literacy? What’s Happening? is a compilation of abbreviated information about new projects, upcoming conferences, funding opportunities, teaching resources, general news, and much more.

Teaching Resources

• “Single transferable what?”… Are you looking for a good resource to draw on when your students ask about the upcoming Referendum on Electoral Reform and the Single Transferable Vote? This site is getting rave reviews from literacy instructors: http://citizensassembly.bc.ca/resources/flash/bc-stv-full.swf
  Elections BC also has information about the referendum and all the details necessary on how to vote online.

• The Centre for Education and Work in Winnipeg has launched its “Essential Skills Portfolio for Youth” kit, which includes a facilitator’s guide (available only in PDF), an activity guide and an interactive CD (called GAME). The kit aims to connect young adults’ life experiences to skills essential to the workplace. Although based on the needs of the retail and tourism trades, the activities are adaptable to other work areas. The order form for the material is under “multimedia” on their website.

Policy Matters

• Can’t you feel the excitement? On May 11th, 2005 the results of the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS) will be released. This will signal only the beginning of the questioning and analysis. The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education has put together an activity booklet We ask our own questions (PDF) with the IALSS as a launching pad for further discussion. It also features Bonnie Soroke’s artwork!