Staff development

Ask yourself how these statements apply to your program.

Our family literacy program staff …

1. are well qualified for their particular positions, with appropriate educational credentials and knowledge of family literacy programming, according to our agency’s policy.
2. as a team, bring expertise and years of practical experience from a variety of backgrounds including adult literacy, early childhood education, elementary and community education, social work and educational administration.
3. have received intensive training in the theories and research that underlie family literacy and in effective instructional practices, prior to starting this family literacy program.
4. receive regular, high-quality professional development opportunities to broaden their knowledge of specific areas of family literacy, and enable them to develop more practical skills.
5. have a good understanding of the following:
   • child development
   • emergent literacy and the reading process
   • adults as learners
   • the dynamics of working with families
   • differences in learning styles and abilities
   • involving reluctant readers
   • life skills support
   • diversity issues
   • power imbalances in society
   • community development
   • the socio-political context of literacy
   • participatory critical reflection
   • levels of expectation and accountability
   • relevant administrative issues
   • assessment and evaluation
6. are prepared to use a variety of instructional strategies and make modifi cations to meet the various literacy needs of participants of diverse backgrounds, different capabilities and different learning styles.
7. use age-appropriate instructional methods and materials that take into account participants’ initial assessments and goals, follow their progress, and build on their achievements.
8. encourage participants’ self-expression and critical thinking through group discussions and learner-centred program activities.