and an unbiased picture of a class. The indicators validate good teaching practices, and are a clean way of expressing the program and state expectations.” When asked if the process is any easier with teachers of particular backgrounds, Frye explained, “I believe that a person’s background doesn’t influence their response to the observations as much as their inherent personality. Some people resist feedback, but the observation process makes the feedback easier to accept.” The key, it seems, is to not be threatened by the process. Susan Holt, a member of the development team, suggests that teachers, “…pair up with another teacher and conduct an informal ‘peer observation.’ Learn from each other. There’s nothing like having someone observe you in your classroom.” She also explained that the process is not only for new teachers. “We are always calling on our students
to reach beyond their comfort zone – to think and learn beyond what they knew they could do. Isn’t it only fair to ask the same of ourselves as teachers?” The Observation Project is central to reflective ways of teaching and will encourage good teaching practices. For complete information on the project, check out the website at: www.aelweb.vcu.edu/projects/observation/. All of the tools and forms are included there. For the human touch, Holt suggests that teachers call on their Regional Specialists or the VALRC staff, who can direct you to someone in your area who .: can help you with the process. Debby Cargill is the Lead for ESOL and Program Developer for Prince William County Public Schools, Adult Education. Debby is earned an MEd. in Adult Education from George Mason University in 2000.
Foundations & Grants Online
Grant seekers spend an enormous amount of effort searching for funders. While many grant-seeking resources already exist, especially on the Internet, few directories offer a comprehensive list of funders that have had a history of offering grants to literacy organizations and adult education programs in Virginia. Addressing the need for such a directory, the Literacy Support Center, a project of The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center, The Virginia Literacy Foundation, and Virginia Commonwealth University, compiled the 2003-2004 edition of the Foundations and Grants for Community-Based Literacy Organizations in Virginia. For convenience, this resource guide is divided into ten sections (see Table of Contents). The Grant Match Rubric and Prospect Worksheet from the Foundation Center can be photocopied as many times as needed, and additional grant seeking tips from important sources are also provided. If you find inaccuracies or information on additional resources, please contact: Victoire Gerkens Sanborn, Director of the Literacy Support Center, at 1-800237-0178 or vjsanbor@vcu.edu. .:
The Teacher Observation Project includes forms, sample letters, guides, and suggestions to make the process easier and less intimidating for both program managers and teachers. All of the resources are available on the project website at: www.aelweb.vcu.edu/projects/observation/
PROGRESS:. Winter 2004
For More Info
The Foundations & Grants booklet is available online at: www.aelweb.vcu.edu/publications/ foundgrants/
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