Literacy Links

Showcase of Innovative Practice

Training Initiative Launched for Literacy Councils,
Volunteer, and Community-Based Literacy Organizations

Under a new initiative funded through Texas LEARNS, the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL) is in the planning stages to begin providing training support for community-based literacy programs and volunteers. The leadership of the Texas Association of Adult Literacy Councils (TAALC) is collaborating with TCALL staff to carry out this initiative. Funding for this project is for the period ending in June 2005.

Yes, it's acronym confusion time with TCALL and TAALC. TAALC is a state association with the mission of connecting nonprofit literacy programs that serve the educational needs of adult Texans who will benefit from individual literacy instruction primarily given by trained volunteers.

TCALL's Professional Development Specialist Ken Appelt and Clearinghouse Project Director Harriet Vardiman Smith are working closely with the TAALC Board's training committee to plan a new directors' training event, several local board trainings, scholarships for TAALC and TALAE conference attendance, Bridges to Practice learning disabilities training, support for ProLiteracy America accreditation, and other goals.

For more information as this training initiative is developed, watch upcoming issues of Literacy Links or visit the TAALC website. On that page you can find contact information for TAALC, information about TAALC's state conference, and the "TAALCTALKS" email discussion group.