Community Literacy program W2000 (fwd)

[Linda Bich-Kieu Wasson]

                     THE COMMUNITY LITERACY PROGRAM:

EARN 8 CREDITS! IMPROVE YOUR WRITING AND RESEARCH SKILLS!  HELP CHILDREN
SUCCEED IN SCHOOL! VOLUNTEER IN THE COMMUNITY!  LEARN BY DOING!


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  
     Begun in fall quarter 1992 through the Interdisciplinary Writing
Program and the Carlson Center for Leadership and Public Service, the
Community Literacy Program offers UW students an 8 credit combination of
linked courses in which they work with elementary school children and do
academic reading, research and writing related to their work in the
schools.  
     The program fills quickly each time it is offered.  Many students
have gone on to work in education or related fields.  Service learning
also appeals to students interested in experiential education, civic
responsibility, a small workshop-based course at UW, or a deeper
connection to the Seattle community.  Students often form strong bonds
with the schools where they volunteer, and many have continued tutoring on
their own, or in follow up independent study projects.


CURRICULUM:  
     The Community Literacy Program offers both a compelling context for
experiential learning through community service, and the opportunity to
increase students' critical understanding of education, reading and
writing by requiring that they bring together their experience and their
academic research.  
     All major writing assignments are discussed in individual conferences
with the instructor, and in peer groups.  Training in library research is
provided.
 

WHO SHOULD REGISTER?  
     The Community Literacy Program is appropriate for students at any
stage of their education. Past students have ranged from 18 to 67 years
old, and from first quarter freshmen to graduating seniors.  Students need
not have tutored before.  Because of the small class size for the
Community Literacy Program (maximum 15 students), instruction can be
individualized.  Because of the combination of experiential and academic
approaches, the course works well for students with a wide variety of
learning styles.


TRAINING AND TUTORING SITES:  
     Initial orientation and training for working with children, provided
at UW through the Pipeline Project, is supplemented by training at the
schools where students volunteer, and by ongoing discussion and
problem-solving during class meetings and in optional workshops offered
through the UW Pipeline. 
     All tutoring sites are within 30 minutes of the UW campus on Metro
busses, and all sites have strong volunteer coordinators.  Students will
choose the tutoring sites and arrange the tutoring times which best meet
their own needs.  Students tutor a minimum of 36 hours per quarter (4
hours per week).
    Tentative sites for Winter 2000 include: Olympic Hills Elementary,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary and Alternative Elementary II.


CLASS MEETINGS AT UW:  
    English 198A will meet on campus Monday and Wednesday from
10:30-12:20.


HOW TO REGISTER:  
     Register for Education 401C (3 C/NC credits) and English 198A (5
graded credits which can be used toward either the "Composition" or the
"Writing" requirement.)


QUESTIONS?  
    Contact the instructor and program coordinator, Dr. Elizabeth
Simmons-O'Neill, English/Interdisciplinary Writing: Box 354-330, 685-3804,
esoneill at u.washington.edu