Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
The following are the actual outcomes achieved for the expected outcomes listed in question 28:
• Open Door Learning Centers – Of the 1,321 participants who were pre- and post-tested, 61.5% made at least one level gain.
• Early Literacy and Families – 90% of 45 children assessed made level gains in the IGDIs. 86% of the 43 children assessed made level gains in the Pre-IPT. 100% of the 46 children assessed made improvements based on the preschool teachers’ development observations.
• Summer Reads VISTA – 80% of 842 Summer Reads participants increased their words-per-minute score. 94% of 833 children maintained or increased their sight word recognition.
• Volunteer Outreach and Training – Minnesota Literacy Council staff helped channel 2,525 new volunteers through the Children’s Tutor Training and Adult Tutor Training.
• Volunteer Outreach and Training – 463 volunteers requesting assistance in finding a volunteer site were placed with literacy programs needing volunteers. 97% of literacy programs responding to a survey agreed we provide volunteer services that they would not be able to offer themselves.
• Adult Literacy Hotline – Hotline Specialists answered 1,346 learner, volunteer and service provider calls and 145 texts. Nearly 19,000 unique website users conducted 30,092 searches for literacy programs by accessing our online database.
• Technology Training and Mentoring – 679 people took 35 technology trainings. 39 ABE teachers and managers were recruited for the Tech Mentoring program and 34 participants completed the mentorship. 100% of respondents indicated that they were using skills learned during the mentorship and felt confident doing so.
Current Goals
Based upon the 5 major areas for advancement established in the 3-year strategic plan numerous annual strategic goals are established that encompass the 9 program areas and the 6 operations support areas. From the annual strategic goals each of the program and operations support areas has developed tactical work plans.
The following is a partial list the strategic goals for program year 2014-15:
• Model organizational performance excellence
o Tech Services – Create new videos for online courses to include closed captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing.
o Operations – Strengthen and improve program evaluation and reporting.
• Boost awareness and accessibility of our expertise
o Open Door Learning Centers – Create report including recommendations for Learning Centers regarding retention strategies.
o Hotline – Improve annual hotline data collection.
• Drive the standards in our field
o Early Family and Literacy – Research options for preschool accreditation at Open Door Arlington Hills.
o Tutor Training – Research sector standards to develop and implement a marketing plan for underused trainings.
• Create impact through measurable outcomes
o Summer Reads VISTA – Refine program evaluation and assessment processes and tools.
o Open Door Learning Centers – Develop pilot pre- and post-tests in targeted units of volunteer-led curriculum.
• Pioneer visionary and innovative strategies
o Volunteer Outreach – New Volunteer Outreach database that better connects volunteers and programs.
o Early Family and Literacy – Pilot parenting class for adult students at Open Door Lake Street.
Community or Constituency Served
SERVING MINNESOTANS:
The Minnesota Literacy Council helps at-risk children and Families gain literacy skills to increase school success and helps adults become self-sufficient citizens through improved literacy.
SERVING ORGANIZATIONS:
The Minnesota Literacy Council also strengthens communities by raising awareness of literacy services, encouraging volunteerism, providing resources, and training and sharing best practices with more than 500 educational sites statewide.
Geographic Area Served
Minnesota.
