Literacy Links

Program Management

Welcome to Our Library ...

Each issue of Literacy Links features some of the materials available for loan from the Adult Literacy Clearinghouse. Borrowers must be affiliated with a program providing adult education services. Availability of these resources depends on Clearinghouse supplies. Annotated bibliographies of the literacy resources are available upon request. Call the Clearinghouse at (800) 441-7323 or (979) 845-6615 or use our e-mail: tcall@tamu.edu to request materials or bibliographies.

Critical Thinking

180 Icebreakers to Strengthen Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills. Forte, Imogene and Schurr, Sandra (1996). Nashville, TN: Incentive Publications, Inc. Each Icebreaker offers an interesting fact, a question to consider, and a project to pursue. Incorporating Williams' and Bloom's taxonomies, the icebreakers address multiple intelligences and the six levels of thinking.

Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking, Sixth Edition. Browne, M. Neil and Keeley, Stuart (2001). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. From the Preface: "This text develops an integrated series of question-asking skills that can be applied widely ... to a general audience ... We provide many opportunities for readers to apply their skills and to receive immediate feedback following the practice application. The book is replete with examples of writing devoted to controversial contemporary topics ... Critical thinking questions are discussed sequentially as the reader progresses from understanding to evaluating." Given the reading level of the selections, this book would be most appropriate for higher-level GED students or as a resource for teachers.

Becoming a Critical Thinker: A User Friendly Manual, Third Edition. Diestler, Sherry (2001). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. From the publisher's summary of the book: "This text trains students to distinguish high-quality, well-supported arguments from arguments with little or no evidence to support them. It deve-lops the skills required to effectively evaluate the many claims facing them as citizens, learners, consumers, and human beings, and also to be effective advocates for their beliefs." Due to the reading level, the book would be appropriate only for higher-level GED students or as a resource for teachers. Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

The Brain Workout Book. Parlette, Snowdon (1997). New York, NY: M. Evans and Company, Inc. The "aerobics for the mind" in this book are designed to be fun and usable by anyone. The author includes tests of "brain fitness level", exercises used by visual artists to develop right brain association and creative ability, and mind relaxation activities. Activities are provided at a variety of difficulty levels.

Challenging Critical Thinking Puzzles. DiSpezio, Michael A. (1998). New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. Critical thinking requires making observations, comparisons, contrasts, and connections between the parts of the whole. The questions and puzzles in this book give learners practice in engaging in intellectual strategies to understand the nature of problems. Answers are provided.

Contemporary Viewpoints on Teaching Adults Effectively. Ross-Gordon, Jovita M., Editor (Spring 2002). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. From the Editor: "Rather than promoting a single view of what constitutes good teaching of adults, the chapters [by several different authors] challenge teachers to reflect on their beliefs regarding teaching and learning, along with their understandings of adult learners, the teaching-learning environment, and the broader social context within which adult continuing education takes place. This reflective process becomes the first step for teachers in aligning their beliefs and practices. The authors provide suggestions and strategies for creative teaching-learning environments that embody current theory regarding critical thinking, responsive teaching, and social justice." Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life. Paul, Richard and Elder, Linda (2001). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall. The authors approach critical thinking as "a process for taking charge of and responsibility for one's thinking. Designed to foster the development of critical thinking skills and abilities, fairmindedness, intellectual humility, and intellectual integrity, the approach ... [offers] meaningful, yet common examples coupled with related activities to allow the reader to examine and chronicle his/her own understanding and growth ... for the lifelong application of critical thinking skills." Given the reading level of the book, it would be most appropriate for higher-level GED students or as a resource for teachers. Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

Developing Critical Thinkers: Challenging Adults to Explore Alternative Ways of Thinking and Acting. Brookfield, Stephen D. (1987). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. Brookfield shows that critical thinking is not simply an abstract, academic exercise for college students, but an engaging, productive process enabling people to be more effective and innovative in every aspect of life and work. He offers a ... guide to helping adults develop their critical thinking skills in four key areas of life: in personal relationships, in the workplace, in political involvement, and in their responses to the media", meshing neatly with the three adult roles in the Equipped for the Future framework: parent/family member, worker, and citizen/community member. Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

Great Critical Thinking Puzzles. DiSpezio, Michael A. (1997). New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. By exploring situations rather than accepting them, learners become better prepared to uncover connections, identify hidden relationships, and develop many other problem-solving techniques. This book offers 83 puzzles that challenge learners to reason, decipher, and comprehend information to solve problems.

Ideas That Really Work! Activities for English and Language Arts. Thurston, Cheryl Miller (1994). Fort Collins, CO: Cottonwood Press. Ideas cover a variety of subjects (particularly writing, grammar, and punctuation), and all materials can be photocopied for classroom use. Some activities include: Grammar Ideas for Teachers Who Hate Teaching Grammar; Slang is Here to Stay; What is Plagiarism? Using Commercials to Teach Critical Thinking; and a whole section of activities on Television and Language Arts.

Learning From Our Lives: Using Educational Biographies With Adults. Dominicé, Pierre (2000). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. From the editorial description: Educational biography helps adult learners "understand what they already know, how and why they learned in the past, and what motivates them to pursue new educational opportunities. Through ... talking in groups and writing their histories, participants cannot only reflect on their learning experiences, but enhance their critical thinking, collaborate in their own educational journeys, and build their awareness of such situational influences as family, work, and community." Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

You're in Charge! Strategies for Success in Life. Hawkes, Brian (2000). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Globe Fearon, Inc. Student lesson book and teacher's resource manual provide learning, cognitive, and metacognitive strategies needed in real life functions: speaking with confidence, working with others, making to-do lists, using calendars, active reading, note taking, estimating in math. The student is asked to apply each strategy to the following areas of her or his life: school, home, work, community, and personal (coordinating with the Equipped for the Future roles). Book also provides mini lessons on identifying students' learning style(s), what is a strategy and how to use it, and when a strategy can be used.

Program Evaluation

The ABCs of Evaluation: Timeless Techniques for Program and Project Managers. Boulmetis, John and Dutwin, Phyllis (2000). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. The authors describe models for evaluation that take into account multiple goals and objectives - such as those of the organization, the staff, and the client. Illustrations for the use of each model are provided, along with tips on identifying data sources and collecting data. Also included are a sample report focusing on the needs of stakeholders, charts, graphs, models, and lists to help demonstrate each evaluation concept. Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

Evaluation for Continuing Education: A Comprehensive Guide to Success. Knox, Alan B. (2002). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Knox provides a comprehensive guide to evaluation in adult education, addressing the reasons for evaluation as well as methods, and shows how evaluation enhances program planning and improvement. Examples from many settings are included. Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

Outcome-Based Evaluation for Literacy Programs. Horn, Claudia B. (2001). Syracuse, NY: Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. This manual defines outcomes-based evaluation, identifies the elements of an evaluation logic model, provides examples of literacy outcomes and how they can be measured, and identifies the elements of reports commonly used to report outcomes-based evaluation findings. It also includes sample forms to help new users of outcome-based evaluation develop a structure to measure their program's outcomes.

Portraits of Families. The Longitudinal Evaluation Project 1997-2001 (September 2001). Albany, NY: New York State Even Start Family Literacy Partnership. Case studies of ten families from seven Even Start programs in New York (immigrant families; families headed by teenagers; families living in small, rural communities; and families living in urban settings) illustrate how the families became advocates for their children's education, how some gained skills and confidence to obtain employment, and how others began using literacy to enrich their daily lives. The families' experiences demonstrate how educational improvements for adults are often not sufficient in themselves to make substantial differences in family well-being. A wide range of social supports, including improvements in housing and transportation, employment assistance, medical care, and counseling are required to make a difference in the quality of families' lives and to improve their children's chances for a better future. Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

Retention of Learners in Adult & Family Literacy Programs

Pathways: A Primer for Family Literacy Program Design and Development. King, Rebecca and McMaster, Jennifer (2000). Louisville, KY: National Center for Family Literacy. This guide traces the basic steps for starting and maintaining a quality family literacy program, from initial community assessment to strategies for success that include evaluation, recruitment and retention, and raising public awareness. Offers both new and experienced practitioners insights to program planning based on more than ten years experience in family literacy implementation and training.

Program Resource Manual: Even Start Family Literacy. Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (Fall 2000). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education. This manual includes materials developed over the first 12 years of Even Start. Some of the resources show how to: make the most of home visits; integrate the "pieces" of an Even Start program; support parents within a family literacy perspective; aid children and their families with important life transitions; develop collaborations; improve recruitment and retention; use learners' lives as curriculum; and utilize mentoring.

Program Standards for Adult Education ESOL Programs. TESOL Task Force on Adult Education Program Standards (2000). Alexandria, VA: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. What are the components of a quality adult education ESOL program? This document attempts to answer this question by describing program quality indicators in eight areas: 1) program structure, administration, and planning; 2) curriculum; 3) instruction; 4) recruitment, intake, and orientation; 5) retention and transition; 6) assessment and learner gains; 7) staffing, professional development, and staff evaluation; and 8) support services.

Rethinking Literacy Education: The Critical Need for Practice-Based Change. Quigley, B. Allan (1997). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. Quigley believes that most efforts to eradicate illiteracy fail because they emanate from a political and social perspective that has little bearing on reality. Advocating a refocus of attention on the learner, the author also points to the practitioners currently working in the field as the key to improving the effectiveness of literacy education. This book is intended as a guide for adult educators and trainers, offering suggestions and alternatives to improve practice and providing historical and evolutionary frame-works that they can use to shape a new philosophy of adult literacy education. A section on "Engaging Nonparticipants and Dropouts" addresses the problem of attrition and offers suggestions for improving retention. Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

A Teacher in a Different Way: Group Literacy Instruction in Tennessee. Bingman, Mary Beth et al. (1990). Knoxville, TN: Center for Literacy Studies. This easy to read report discusses Tennessee's training for group literacy instruction. The majority of the booklet covers organization, recruitment and retention, students with learning disabilities, assessment, volunteers, and training.

Teachers, Tools & Techniques: A Handbook for Adult Basic Education and GED Instruction. Koehler, Sandra L. et al. (1992). Macomb, IL: Curriculum Publications Clearinghouse. This book of selected instructional strategies is designed specifically for instructors, tutors and volunteers involved in ABE and GED instruction. In addition to basic academic instructional strategies, classroom management topics such as working with multilevel learners, learning styles, retention and motiva- tion are addressed.

Teens in the Adult Education Classroom

Can You Relate? Real-World Advice for Teens on Guys, Girls, Growing Up, and Getting Along. Fox, Annie (2000). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. Author is the creator of "The Insite" website for teens, designed to "give you the information, the inspiration, and many possible game plans so you can take positive charge of your life." (at http://www.TheInSite.org.) This book is based on hundreds of emails received by the site, dealing with issues that matter to teens. Some of the chapters include: What's Up with Peer Pressure; Sex, Unhealthy Romantic Relationships, and Good-byes; Friends, Peers, and Enemies; Dealing with Authority Figures; and Conflict Resolution Toolkit. Book: Loan Item (640 Fox).

Fighting Invisible Tigers: A Stress Management Guide for Teens, Revised and Updated Edition. Hipp, Earl and Schmitz, Connie C. (1995). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. Written especially for teens who are overwhelmed, frustrated, tired, or stressed out by the challenges in their lives, the Student Book offers stress-management and life-management skills. Those skills include assertiveness, building relationships, taking risks, making decisions, staying healthy, dealing with fears, using positive self-talk, and "growing a funny bone". Leader's Guide supports and enhances the messages of the student book with a step-by-step curriculum in 12 sessions. Includes reproducible handout masters. Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

How Rude! The Teenagers' Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out. Packer, Alex J. (1997). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. From the editorial description: "An etiquette book that teens will want to read - because it keeps them laughing, doesn't preach, and deals with issues that matter to them, as teens themselves reported in a nationwide survey. Packer blends humor with sound advice as he guides readers through the world of manners from A (Applause) to Z (Zits). Fourteen chapters describe the basics of polite behavior at home, in school, and in the world."

Journal Jumpstarts: Quick Topics and Tips for Journal Writing. Woodward, Patricia (1996). Fort Collins, CO: Cottonwood Press. Over 400 ideas for writing and practical tips are provided, as well as suggestions on handling the paperwork and sensitive situations that come with classroom journals. Journaling suggestions are particularly geared to appeal to young adult learners.

NEFE High School Financial Planning Program. National Endowment for Financial Education (2001). Greenwood Village, CO: NEFE. Student Guide and Instructor's Manual teach students to: identify and prioritize their personal money management goals; develop a budget; track their income and spending to stay within their budget; comprehend the impact of time on the value of money; understand the cost of using credit; and protect their cash assets as they begin to accumulate money. The six-unit mini-course can be completed in as few as 10 classroom hours.

The Power of Choice Videos. Elkind + Sweet Communications, Inc. (1988). San Francisco, CA: Live Wire Video Publishers. Series features Michael Pritchard, a juvenile probation officer turned standup comic. After years of using humor as a counseling tool, Pritchard toured the U.S. talking to high school students about how they make choices in life. The result was a series of twelve videos (30 minutes long except for the hour-long first video in the series), which was aired nationally on PBS television. The Discussion Guide offers discussion questions, group activities, and writing assignments. For loan to Texas Educators ONLY, each of the twelve titles below is checked out separately.

Program 1 (An Introduction)
Program 2: Acting On Your Values
Program 3: Self-Esteem
Program 4: Coping With Pressures
Program 5: Drugs and Alcohol-Part 1
Program 6: Drugs and Alcohol-Part 2
Program 7: Drinking and Driving
Program 8: Sex
Program 9: Friendship and Dating
Program 10: Depression and Suicide
Program 11: Communicating with Parents
Program 12: Raising Your Parents

What Teens Need to Succeed: Proven, Practical Ways to Shape Your Own Future. Benson, Peter L., et al (1998). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. The authors encourage teens to "build assets" - at home, in school, community, church, and with friends - in order to form a strong foundation for success in life and avoidance of risky behaviors. Book includes numerous true stories about teens who are building assets for life, resources to explore, and awareness-building checklists, quizzes, and activities.

The Struggle to Be Strong: True Stories by Teens About Overcoming Tough Times. Desetta, Al and Wolin, Sybil, Editors (2000). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. In 30 first-person accounts, teens tell how they faced and overcame major life obstacles. Readers learn about seven resiliencies - insight, independence, realtionships, initiative, creativity, humor, and morality - that everyone needs to triumph over adversity. Leader's Guide includes activities, exercises, and questions that help teens go deeper into the stories, relate them to their lives, and build resiliency skills. Includes reproducible handout masters. Loan Item for Texas Educators ONLY.

The Survival Guide for Teenagers with LD (Learning Differences). Cummings, Rhoda and Fisher, Gary (1993). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. Guide is intended to help young people with learning differences succeed in school and prepare for life after school. In addition to an explanation of LD and learners' legal rights and responsibilities, the authors address life skill issues such as assertiveness, jobs, friends, dating, self-sufficiency, and responsible citizenship. Readability of book is tested at level 6.2. Audiocassette tapes offer text of book (running time: 222 minutes). Loan Item for Texas EducatorsONLY.

What Do You Really Want? How to Set a Goal and Go for It! A Guide for Teens. Bachel, Beverly K. (2001). Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. For teens, planning and goal setting are linked to improved school performance, motivation, self-confidence, and self-esteem. This book offers a step-by-step guide to goal setting, written especially for teens. Each chapter includes exercises, practical tips, words of wisdom from "famous goal-getters", real-life examples from teens, and success stories.

Writing to Make a Difference: Classroom Projects for Community Change. Benson, Chris and Christian, Scott, Editors (2002). New York, NY: Teachers College Press. From the editorial description: "The student projects in this book demonstrate a powerful approach to teaching writing - one that requires no special equipment or resources and can be adapted for students of any age. The key is getting students involved in action research and in writing about issues that are important to them and their communities. Chapters describe projects covering a variety of issues including avoiding teenage health risks, preserving oral histories, fighting racism, investigating environmental hazards, decreasing instances of teen pregnancy, and much more."