Enabling and Supporting High Quality, Interconnected and Outcomes-oriented Service Delivery

NEO Literacy Corps

NEO Literacy Corps is an AmeriCorps program of the Ohio Community Service Council (OCSC) that recruits, trains and places skilled volunteers in organizations across Cuyahoga County that provide a broad range of literacy services. Each year an equivalent of 20 full time volunteers are hosted by about 18 local organizations.  Click here to view a list of host sites.

The goal of NEO Literacy Corps is to provide additional supports for nonprofit organizations working to improve the literacy levels and skills of Cuyahoga County residents so that they can meet growing demand for services. Through NEO Literacy Corps, The Literacy Cooperative is helping organizations to expand their literacy service reach; offering new programs and serving more clients.

NEO Literacy Corps was launched in the fall of 2010 through grants from OCSC and the Bruening, Charter One Bank, Key Bank, and Third Federal Bank Foundations. The Literacy Cooperative partners with University Settlement Inc. to implement NEO Literacy Corps. For additional information on NEO Literacy Corps, please contact Laureen Atkins or Katie Brahaney at University Settlement. For additional information about AmeriCorps please visit www.serveohio.org.
Back to Programs & Initiatives Home

Quality Framework for Adult Literacy

The Quality Framework for Adult Literacy (Framework) has been developed to help facilitate quality improvements in adult literacy. The Framework is a tool set that includes a summary of promising practices in adult literacy, highlights of factors that impact learner outcomes, and a program self-assessment tool. Factors and promising practices featured in the Framework are based on current research and reflect what innovative programs around the country are doing to prepare adults to succeed in postsecondary education and work. The Framework has been piloted at adult literacy sites and is now available to providers and literacy grant makers.  Click here to access the Framework.  For additional information about the Framework please contact Laureen Atkins.
Back to Programs & Initiatives Home

Professional Learning Programs & Resources

The Literacy Cooperative offers a diverse menu of trainings for literacy practitioners, volunteer tutors, and other cross-sector professionals. The Cooperative's three focus areas of early literacy, capacity building and career pathways are reflected in training offerings that cover best practices & relevant issues in a hands-on, participatory approach.  Training sessions provide an important opportunity for dialogue, networking, and exposure to new ideas and strategies from experts in the field. The Literacy Cooperative is committed to ongoing availability of high-quality, literacy-centered professional development for literacy practitioners and administrators. Click here to access The Literacy Cooperative's training calendar. Other professional learning programs and resources include:

• Instructors Learning Network (ILN)
  The ILN is a community of literacy practitioners led by a volunteer steering committee of peers. The steering committee sets the agenda for ILN forums and researches and develops content for the ILN's online platform. ILN forums provide an avenue for peer engagement, knowledge and information sharing among practitioners. Click here for current posts by ILN members or go to our provider page for detailed information about the ILN.
  
  
• Adult Literacy Math Toolkits (Fractions)
  The Literacy Cooperative's Toolkits are a useful resource for programs that need additional materials to help a learner understand fundamental concepts. Lessons build on the skills acquired from previous sessions, utilizing a learning process that takes the learner from a concrete experience to an understanding of an abstract concept. Lesson plans with teacher scripts and hands-on manipulatives are provided for each lesson. Contact Laureen Atkins for additional information on the Toolkits.
  
  
• Rhythm Rack
  Rhythm Rack (RR) is an integrated literacy and workforce development curriculum that simulates a workplace environment and connects literacy activities and skills to work requirements. The curriculum is delivered through an experiential learning format. As part of the curriculum, facilitators present participants with a broad range of career options, allowing participants to identify career interests, map educational investments and identify earning potential. RR helps bridge some of the disconnect that exists between adult literacy education and job readiness trainings. "Rhythm Rack" is a make-believe music store. Please contact Laureen Atkins for additional information on RR.

Back to Programs & Initiatives Home