Verizon Literacy Program Self-Assessment Tool
Available exclusively on Thinkfinity.org, the VLP-SAT assists program staff, including administrators, teachers and volunteers, in improving instruction and assessment that result in measureable literacy achievement for students across the life span.
The VLP-SAT, developed by the National Center for Family Literacy with support from the Verizon Foundation, provides standards that identify literacy practices linked to desired learner outcomes. Programs rate their implementation by comparing their current practices to examples of research-based strategies.
Upon completion of the VLP-SAT, program staff will have a better understanding of instructional areas in which they excel and areas in which they can improve. The VLP-SAT also identifies resources on Thinkfinity.org that can be used to enhance future program planning and implementation.
Ideally, program staff will use the VLP-SAT as a benchmark - to evaluate current literacy practices, seek out resources to improve key areas, and return to the VLP-SAT to assess program improvement.
To begin the VLP-SAT, click on one of the components below:
Life Span Literacy Matrix
The Life Span Literacy Matrix identifies outcomes,
assessment instruments, and research-based practices proven to increase
the development of literacy skills at all stages of life. This tool
will minimize confusion for providers over what works in literacy
instruction. It will guide corporations in what programs are worth
funding. Most importantly, it will help providers better serve students
of all ages.
To review the Life Span Literacy Matrix, click here.
Verizon Tech Savvy Awards
The National Center for Family Literacy is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Verizon Tech Savvy Awards. They are the first national awards to honor programs that improve parents and children's understanding and use of technology. Four $5,000 regional awards and one $25,000 national award will be presented. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 11, 2008.
The annual honor will be awarded on March 31, 2008 in Louisville, Ky., at the National Conference on Family Literacy.
The awards - established in 2007 by the Verizon Foundation, the National Center for Family Literacy and former First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack - are designed to support sustainable programs that help parents bridge the widening gap between adults and children's understanding of technology.
To apply for the 2008 Verizon Tech Savvy Awards, click here.
On March 5, 2007, the inaugural winners were announced. To learn more about these standard-setting programs, click here.
Legendary actor James Earl Jones and 9-year-old literary prodigy Adora Svitak collaborated with 1,600 audience members to create a new twist on the children's classic Robinson Crusoe. Using technology such as cell phones, digital cameras and an Internet blog, Verizon Chief Information Officer Shaygan Kheradpir led the crowd through the live short story improv. To see the results of their exciting collaboration, click here.
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