2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 1 Learning Together: A Family-Centered Literacy Program

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 2

3 Western North Carolina

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 4 Blue Ridge Community College -a place for new beginnings. Comprehensive College –31 Associate Degree Programs –25 Diploma Programs –111 Certificate Programs –4 Articulated Programs Superior College – recognized by the NC Community College System as one of the top three community colleges in the state.

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 5 Bienvenidos a Henderson County, North Carolina Economy includes agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, service,and retirement. State’s largest producer of Apples—7th in the nation. Farm income is over $113 million a year Majority of farm workers are migrants

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 6 Hispanics in Henderson County Estimated Hispanic population – 7,000 Increase of 650% from Fastest growth rate of Hispanics in WNC % increase in Latino student population (K-12)

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 7 Identified Needs of Hispanic Population Transitioning to permanent employment Limited English proficiency Native Language Illiteracy Lacking Civics knowledge

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 8 Goals of Family-Centered Literacy program Provide accessible English Literacy Provide GED instruction Provide civics education Provide support services for preschool and school age children Create partnerships to maximize resources

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 9 7 Major Components English (ESOL) classes for parents General Educational Development Child care for preschoolers Tutoring for school-age children Spanish classes for school personnel “Intercambio” for practice and to bridge cultures Cultural awareness

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 10 ESOL classes for parents Offered 2 nights/week Competency-based Instruction Civics Education –Local, state and federal government –Responsibilities of citizenship –Employability and parenting skills Computer Literacy

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 11 General Educational Development Instruction Offered 2 nights/week Instruction provided in both English and Spanish Native Language Literacy instruction

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 12 Child Care for Preschoolers Funded by Smart Start and BRCC Educational foundation Fluency-building games and activities Snacks provided by PTO

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 13 Tutoring for School Aged Children Certified Instructor (funded by Title I) Homework assistance Volunteers –High school students –Girl Scouts –Private citizens –Parents

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 14 Spanish Classes for School Personnel One evening a week Tuition-free Command Spanish™ curriculum “Guilt-free” attendance Mexico Immersion Trip

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 15 “Intercambio” Hispanic learners practice with school personnel Bridge cultures Relationship building

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 16 Cultural Awareness Guest Speakers Discussions Topics Covered –Families –Music and Dance –Politics –Educational Opportunities –Nutrition –Social issues

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 17 Program Sites Etowah Elem

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 18 Estimated Budget PositionCostSource ESOL Instructor$ 3,000College Child Care$ 2,600BRCC Educational Foundation Building Supervisor $ 2,600College/School Tutors$ 3,875Title I Educational Materials $ 325College Snacks$ 325PTO Total$13,400

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 19 …and beyond: Blue Ridge CC Caldwell CC Edgecombe CC Guilford CC

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 20 Enrollment Growth – 200%

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 21 Student Progress

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 22 75% of students who identified education as a goal enrolled in higher education.During the academic year, the College experienced a 47% increase in Hispanic enrollment. Educational Goals Met

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 23 Community Collaboration Blue Ridge Community College Henderson County Public Schools Blue Ridge Literacy Council Girl Scouts High School Clubs NC Smart Start Private Citizen Volunteers Faith Community

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 24 BRCC’s Role Provide ESOL Instructors Provide curriculum materials Employ building supervisor Assist in publicity Assist in coordination Provide child care

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 25 Public School System’s Role Supports purpose Provides facility Coordinates Activities Recruits and employs tutorial staff

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 26 Other Volunteers Child Care –Girl Scouts –Faith community Tutoring –High School students –Private citizens –Blue Ridge Literacy Council Refreshments –Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 27 Other Volunteers

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 28 Benefits to Schools Positive parent involvement with immigrant population Improved school performance of students Enhanced school climate and community image Promotion of educational opportunities, language and cultural assimilation

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 29 Benefits to the Community Building of trust and harmonious relationships Inclusion of educators and others Collaboration of community leaders, agencies Reduces feelings of isolation, fear, suspicion

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 30 Lessons Learned Set clear and realistic objectives Periodic information-sharing and evaluation is essential Listen to concerns of parents, children, and teachers Culture can’t be separated from language Adopt a specific curriculum each program year Establish and maintain good relationships with immigrant parents

2004 Bellwether – Blue Ridge Community College 31 For More Information: Dr. David W. Sink, Jr. President Dr. Molly Parkhill Dean for Continuing Educaton Mr. Rick Marshall Director of Basic Skills Programs Mr. Steve Norwood Retired Principal