The Learning And Parenting Skills program, from its planning and development phases through to its current dissemination phase, has been more complex than we ever anticipated. The ingredients needed to successfully accomplish program goals include flexibility, patience, a clear organizational plan and a determination to establish timelines. In addition, support from instructors and funders, and a deep appreciation for the value that others can bring to the project are key factors in success.

We are grateful to our funders, the National Literacy Secretariat, the Language Training Department of Alberta Advanced Education, Calgary Community Adult Learning Association, and the Rotary Club of Calgary, for their ongoing support of this program.

Learning And Parenting Skills is one approach to addressing the literacy needs of the many Canadians who require training. Its strength has been that it can encourage people in an environment where they feel safe and supported, as they discuss the joys and struggles of bringing up their children. If such an approach builds their sense of competency and motivates them to seek out further literacy training, then this program can claim success.

References

Auerbach, E. (1992). Making meaning, making change. McHenry, IL: Delta Systems.

MacKenzie, L. & Cairns, E. (1995). Learning and Parenting Skills. Facilitator training guide and participant materials. Available from the authors.

Statistics Canada. (1996). Reading the future: A portrait of literacy in Canada. Ottawa, ON: Statistics Canada (Catalogue no. 89-551-XPE).

For information about the LAPS program please contact:

Laureen MacKenzie/Elaine Cairns
Bow Valley College
Academic Foundations
332–6th Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB T2G 4S6
Tel: (403) 297 - 4778
Fax: (403) 297 - 4949
E-mail:
ecairns@avc.calgary.ab.ca
lmackenzie@avc.calgary.ab.ca


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