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G2S Project Code: 2017-OK-79060
State: Oklahoma
Fiscal Year: 2017
Grantee
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES

Project Director
Director Name: Leslie Gelders
Director Phone: 405-522-3242
Director Email: leslie.gelders@libraries.ok.gov
General Information
Title: Literacy Development
State Project Code: 173201
Start Date: 10/01/2016
End Date: 09/30/2018
Abstract:

The effectiveness of library and community-based volunteer literacy programs depends largely on the experience and professionalism of staff, board, and volunteers. Training and professional development for literacy personnel is very limited and often cost-prohibitive. The Literacy Resource Office of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) continued to address this void by providing training, development, and resources for literacy directors, literacy trainers, and indirectly for volunteer tutors.






State Goal: Goal 3: Lifelong Learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$66,223.24
$0.00
$0.00
$66,223.24
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Literacy
Adult Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Directors Retreat
Narrative:

The Oklahoma Literacy Resource Office hosted a two-day training to provide professional development for new and experienced library and community-based literacy directors. Twenty-five program directors and two Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) literacy staff attended. A directors' orientation was held prior to the retreat for six new program directors. The 90 minute orientation covered topics including; resources available at ODL, ODL literacy grants, learner assessment and tracking, curriculum options, and an overview of tutor training.  

The retreat agenda included sessions on; the CASAS student assessment tool, incorporating Celebrating Our Journey (an LSTA-funded publication in FY-17) into tutoring and tutor training, and local fundraising strategies that were successful. A panel of three local directors shared how their programs overcame obstacles and went from "on the brink of closing" to thriving. An outside speaker from ProLiteracy provided a presentation via Zoom about newly launched online tutor training, and a guest presenter led discussions and activities related to visioning and planning for the future.

The Oklahoma Literacy Coalition provided lunch and refreshments for participants. 

100% of the attendees indicated that they gained new and helpful information. 

Comments included:

  • "So much fun! I really enjoyed this very much."

  • "Thank you for providing so much valuable information."

  • "Very informative, especially in the area of tutor training."

  • "So excited about the online training and ELL tutor training."



Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 690
Number of sessions in program: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 25
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: 26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: Yes: adult literacy program staff


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: BARTLESVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY LITERACY SERVICES
Address: 600 S. JOHNSTONE
City: BARTLESVILLE
State: OK
Zip: 74003
Name: CLEVELAND COUNTY LITERACY PROGRAM
Address: 225 N. WEBSTER AVE.
City: NORMAN
State: OK
Zip: 73069
Name: COMMUNITY LITERACY CENTERS, INC
Address: 5131 N CLASSEN CIR, SUITE 205
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73118
Name: CREEK COUNTY LITERACY PROGRAM
Address: 15 N. POPLAR ST.
City: SAPULPA
State: OK
Zip: 74066
Name: DELAWARE COUNTY TANF
Address: 208 W BROADWAY ST
City: JAY
State: OK
Zip: 74346
Name: DUNCAN AREA LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 2300 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
City: DUNCAN
State: OK
Zip: 73533
Name: DURANT-DONALD REYNOLDS COMMUNITY CT & LIBRARY
Address: 1515 WEST MAIN
City: DURANT
State: OK
Zip: 74701
Name: FEDERAL CORRECTION INSTITUTE, EL RENO
Address: 4205 HWY 66 WEST
City: EL RENO
State: OK
Zip: 73036
Name: GREAT PLAINS LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 421 N. HUDSON ST.
City: ALTUS
State: OK
Zip: 73521
Name: LITERACY LINK
Address: 8143 E. RENO AVE.
City: MIDWEST CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73110
Name: MCCLAIN COUNTY LITERACY PROGRAM
Address: 919 N. 9TH ST.
City: PURCELL
State: OK
Zip: 73080
Name: MIAMI PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 200 N MAIN
City: MIAMI
State: OK
Zip: 74354
Name: MIAMI PUBLIC LIBRARY LITERACY SERVICES
Address: 200 N. MAIN ST.
City: MIAMI
State: OK
Zip: 74354
Name: OIC OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY
Address: 3033 N. WALNUT ST.
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73105
Name: OKLAHOMA CITY METRO LITERACY COALITION
Address: 1444 NW 28TH
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73106
Name: PONTOTOC COUNTY LITERACY COALITION
Address: 124 S. RENNIE ST.
City: ADA
State: OK
Zip: 74820
Name: POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY LITERACY PROGRAM
Address: 101 N. PHILADELPHIA AVE.
City: SHAWNEE
State: OK
Zip: 74801
Name: ROGERS COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 1515 FLORENCE AVE.
City: CLAREMORE
State: OK
Zip: 74017
Name: SEMINOLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 424 N MAIN
City: SEMINOLE
State: OK
Zip: 74868
Name: STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 1107 S. DUCK
City: STILLWATER
State: OK
Zip: 74074
Name: TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 2901 S HARVARD AVE
City: TULSA
State: OK
Zip: 73114
Name: WAGONER LITERACY GROUP (TEMP ADDRESS)
Address: 2200 W WELLINGTON, APT 2-C
City: WAGONER
State: OK
Zip: 74467
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 21
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 19
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 20
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 16
Agree: 7
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Open Minds Tutor Trainer Project
Narrative: The Oklahoma Literacy Resource Office hosted a two-day workshop to train local program representatives to train volunteers to be literacy tutors.

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) staff and a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certified instructor presented information and demonstrated segments of 
Open Minds for Tutors of English Language Learners, Oklahoma’s new 10-hour training module for English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors. Twenty one individuals, including two staff from a federal prison and two ODL staff, participated in interactive sessions that included; Characteristics of English Language Learners (ELL), Step Forward curriculum, Using Teaching Adults: An ESL Resource Book, Learning Styles, Lesson Planning, and Total Physical Response.

Trainer comments included:
  • - "This training was phenomenally put together. I liked how there was a wide variety of different types of teachings and interaction, and that there was a variety of presenters. I feel like I learned so much."
  • - "I hope this training will be offered again in the future so I can send staff and contract trainers."

ODL contracted with three of the trainers to conduct 10-hour basic literacy or ESL tutor training around the state. A total of twenty-one new tutors were trained in Weatherford, Miami, and Claremore. Additional tutors were trained by trainers who attended the two-day workshop, but were not paid by ODL.


Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 690
Number of sessions in program: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 21
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CHECOTAH - JIM LUCAS-CHECOTAH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 626 W Gentry ST
City: Checotah
State: OK
Zip: 74426
Name: COMMUNITY LITERACY CENTERS, INC.
Address: 5131 N CLASSEN CR, SUITE 204
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73118
Name: FEDERAL CORRECTIONS INSTITUTION, EL RENO
Address: 4205 OK 66
City: EL RENO
State: OK
Zip: 73036
Name: LITERACY LINK
Address: 8143 E. RENO AVE.
City: MIDWEST CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73110
Name: MUSKOGEE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 801 W Okmulgee
City: Muskogee
State: OK
Zip: 74401
Name: OIC OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY
Address: 3033 N. WALNUT ST.
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73105
Name: OKLAHOMA CITY METRO LITERACY COALITION
Address: 1444 NW 28TH ST
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73105
Name: OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY
Address: 2501 N BLACKWELDER
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73106
Name: PONCA CITY AREA LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 515 E. GRAND AVE.
City: PONCA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 74601
Name: PONTOTOC COUNTY LITERACY COALITION
Address: 124 S. RENNIE ST.
City: ADA
State: OK
Zip: 74820
Name: ROGERS COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 1515 FLORENCE AVE.
City: CLAREMORE
State: OK
Zip: 74017
Name: RUTH G. HARDMAN ADULT LITERACY SERVICE
Address: 2901 S. HARVARD AVE.
City: TULSA
State: OK
Zip: 74114
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 15
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 3
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 16
Agree: 2
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 3
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 14
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 4
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 13
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 3
Activity Details
Title: Professional Development-ProLiteracy Conference
Narrative: Five local program directors/staff and one Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) literacy staff received professional development by attending the national ProLiteracy Conference on Adult Literacy in Bloomington, Minnesota. The four-day conference featured a wide scope of adult education topics presented by literacy experts from throughout the country. Oklahoma attendees were required to submit a list of sessions they attended, and were asked to identify at least three ideas they gained at the conference that would be implemented locally.

C. Myers (Oklahoma City)—"I have presented and attended adult education conferences in New Orleans, Providence, Orlando, and Dallas, but the recent ProLiteracy conference was hands down the most informative and comprehensive conference I have ever attended. There was not a workshop or speaker that did not captivate and inspire me to become a more efficient instructor. Overall, the experience and expertise that I was able to obtain during the conference was remarkable and priceless. I am humbled and extremely appreciative to the Department of Libraries for the scholarship that allowed me to be in attendance for an event of this magnitude."

D. Jones (Oklahoma City)—"The conference was simply amazing! As a new Executive Director, maintaining freshness and innovation and then steering a 50 year old organization can seem overwhelming. The day-to-day trials of funding, management, and oversight can take a toll on the ability of leadership to craft a progressive vision for the organization. During the conference, I was able to be "blissfully poured into" by my peers. It was refreshing to be among those who know the struggle and to know that they were locked "arm to arm" with me, even though they were a world away. The innovations and changes we have been proposing and planning are exactly on trend with best practices. That was a comfort I did not expect to receive. Thank you."

J. Wells (Tulsa)—"As you can tell from the list of workshops I attended, I focused on technology for learners and tutors. I came back with several good ideas to investigate, including the XPrize semifinalists, who were all developing apps aimed at helping adult learners. Attending the ProLiteracy conference was such a wonderful experience. It couldn't have come at a better time, as we look at ways to update our technological offerings and seek to provide more external services. I came away with a lot of new knowledge and with a lot of renewed energy."

M. Struttmann (Sapulpa)—"Attending the ProLiteracy conference was valuable to me, and subsequently to my staff and volunteers. There was a wide variety of workshops covering all aspects of adult education. With the future of state funding opportunities being uncertain, I focused on attending workshops on fund raising. I returned with several new concepts we will implement at Creek County Literacy Program in the near future. I hope there will be opportunities to attend the 2019 conference."

R. Barker (ODL)—"Thank you for the opportunity to attend this conference. It was valuable to me not only to participate in the formal sessions, but to network with other program directors and instructors. I returned with a wealth of information and new strategies and techniques that will impact the lives of Oklahomans as they attempt to prepare for the workforce, seek citizenship, and get more involved with their community."

R. White (Oklahoma City)—"Attending the ProLiteracy conference was both an honor and an amazing opportunity. I left the conference invigorated and equipped with new ideas in literacy trends to implement at Community Literacy Center. Change is not a threat, it's an opportunity. As learning styles and needs within our community change, we must adapt and be flexible with the changing tide. I learned a great deal about digital literacy, financial literacy, ESL, and health literacy.  I took three notebooks of notes! It was a fabulous conference."


Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Other
Format: In-person
Other: Conference sessions, including individual workshops, general sessions, poster sessions, and networking opportunities


Quantity


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: COMMUNITY LITERACY CENTERS
Address: 5131 N CLASSEN CR, STE 204
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73105
Name: CREEK COUNTY LITERACY PROGRAM
Address: 15 N. POPLAR ST.
City: SAPULPA
State: OK
Zip: 74066
Name: OIC OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY
Address: 3033 N. WALNUT ST.
City: OKLAHOMA CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73105
Name: OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES
Address: 200 Northeast 18th Street
City: Oklahoma City
State: OK
Zip: 73105-3298
Name: RUTH G. HARDMAN ADULT LITERACY SERVICE
Address: 2901 S. HARVARD AVE.
City: TULSA
State: OK
Zip: 74114

Activity Details
Title: Adult Learner Assessment Grants
Narrative: The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) requires all funded literacy programs to assess students to measure progress. Recently, the learner assessment tool was changed to the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) for both basic literacy and English language learners. As part of the transition, ODL provided training, technical assistance, and coaching to local program directors. The assessment is primarily given on-line, so funds were used to provide programs with small grants of $300 each to purchase a tablet dedicated to learner assessment. Eighteen programs applied and were awarded assessment grants.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Other
Format: Other
Other: Grants to purchase a tablet for assessments


Quantity


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Rural
For what age groups: 18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: Yes
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: BARTLESVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY LITERACY SERVICES
Address: 600 S. JOHNSTONE
City: BARTLESVILLE
State: OK
Zip: 74003
Name: CLEVELAND COUNTY LITERACY PROGRAM
Address: 225 N. WEBSTER AVE.
City: NORMAN
State: OK
Zip: 73069
Name: COMMUNITY LITERACY CENTERS, INC
Address: 5131 N CLASSEN CIR, SUITE 204
City: Oklahoma City
State: OK
Zip: 73118
Name: CREEK COUNTY LITERACY PROGRAM
Address: 15 N. POPLAR ST.
City: SAPULPA
State: OK
Zip: 74066
Name: DUNCAN AREA LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 2300 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
City: DUNCAN
State: OK
Zip: 73533
Name: GREAT PLAINS LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 421 N. HUDSON ST.
City: ALTUS
State: OK
Zip: 73521
Name: LITERACY LINK
Address: 8143 E. RENO AVE.
City: MIDWEST CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73110
Name: MCCLAIN COUNTY LITERACY PROGRAM
Address: 919 N. 9TH ST.
City: PURCELL
State: OK
Zip: 73080
Name: MIAMI PUBLIC LIBRARY LITERACY SERVICES
Address: 200 N. MAIN ST.
City: MIAMI
State: OK
Zip: 74354
Name: NEW DIMENSION LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 320 E. ST. NW
City: ARDMORE
State: OK
Zip: 73401
Name: NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 1500 W MAIN ST.
City: WOODWARD
State: OK
Zip: 73801
Name: PONTOTOC COUNTY LITERACY COALITION
Address: 124 S. RENNIE ST.
City: ADA
State: OK
Zip: 74820
Name: POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY LITERACY PROGRAM
Address: 101 N. PHILADELPHIA AVE.
City: SHAWNEE
State: OK
Zip: 74801
Name: ROGERS COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 1515 FLORENCE AVE.
City: CLAREMORE
State: OK
Zip: 74017
Name: RUTH G. HARDMAN ADULT LITERACY SERVICE
Address: 2901 S. HARVARD AVE.
City: TULSA
State: OK
Zip: 74114
Name: STILLWATER LITERACY COUNCIL
Address: 1107 S. DUCK ST.
City: STILLWATER
State: OK
Zip: 74076
Name: WAGONER LITERACY GROUP
Address: 102 S. STATE ST.
City: WAGONER
State: OK
Zip: 74467
Name: WESTCENTRAL OKLAHOMA LITERACY COALITION
Address: 219 E. FRANKLIN AVE.
City: WEATHERFORD
State: OK
Zip: 73096
Name: WESTERN OKLAHOMA LEARNING CENTER
Address: 1502 W. 8TH ST.
City: ELK CITY
State: OK
Zip: 73644
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
State Libraries are in the unique position to provide leadership, direction, and stability to library and community-based literacy programs. Perhaps more than any other private or public sector entities, state and public libraries have long histories of providing access to information and resources for lifelong learning. The support of adult literacy programs is a much needed and valued service that impacts populations at risk for low literacy.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Local literacy leaders need support, yet in many states there are few resources available to assist these programs. Issues such as training new program directors, maintaining tutor training standards, assisting programs with increased accountability and reporting requirements, providing training in adult literacy assessment methods are just a few topics of support state libraries can provide.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The experience and expertise of local directors and tutor trainers should be drawn upon as appropriate. Local program directors learned much from each other when given a venue to share best practices, discuss challenges, and offer ideas. This networking was often as beneficial as any planned agenda. The Oklahoma Literacy Resource Office functions as a "partner in literacy" to assist local literacy programs to be as effective as possible.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: