Marie -
   
  Without a peep .... I have been lurking ... every once in a while but not regularly on this thread.  Part of the reason I haven't replied is the emails that were posted were so loooong.  I felt it would require research to read thoroughly and respond, so I didn't.  And I'm as always busy with many projects as the only full-time paid staff.
   
  It's not that I am not interested personally, but via my scanning the posts I feel The Movement is not taking into consideration one (of a couple) very important factors:  Some adult learners cannot commit to the kind of time that many of you speak about.  That means their time with their study is also very precious even though elongated.  If testing takes away that time, it would be resented.
   
  Ours is an adult literacy program driven by volunteer instructors.  The focus of the materials includes periodic check-ups built into the lessons.  (Note:  Not called Tests.)  However, I sense that by your colleagues' standards my program would be deemed ineffective.  You know .... the learners aren't gaining a grade level every year.  Quite frankly the learners don't *care* about that form of measurement.  
   
  So I lurk.  I feel, No. 2, The System places too *little* importance on what it is that the adult learner has brought with them as goals in their need to read, write and spell better.  It cannot be measured in many cases ... except, perhaps, in smiles, self-confidence and improved worth.  *That* our learners *do* treasure!  How do members of the adult education system intend those skill development factors to be measured?  Learner Portfolios are part of *our* system, yet unacceptable to the NRS. It used to be that the check-up scores counted.  But no longer.
   
  Until the answers are clear, this agency director will remain on the perimeters of the assessment discussion ... and *consequently* the agency will continue without funding that is tied to a grade level increase requirement.  The kicker is: The learners *like* what they are receiving and that matters more.  At least to me.
   
  Nancy Hansen
  Executive Director
  Sioux Falls Area Literacy Council
  Sioux Falls, SD

Marie Cora <marie.cora at hotspurpartners.com> wrote:
        
    st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) }                Dear colleagues,
   
  Are you out there?  Is this a bad time for a discussion?  Is the topic not of interest?
   
  Aside from Virginia’s post last week, I haven’t heard from any of the 550 subscribers to the List.  I’m assuming that the topic (Measuring Education Gains in Adult Literacy, 10/17 and 10/18) is of interest.  But you need to let me know if it is or not.  I generally gauge interest based on Subscriber responses, so if this is an indication, the topic is not hot (which surprises me).  
   
  Are there other topics you’d prefer to engage in?  What are they?  The purpose of this List is to provide a forum for discussion that goes well beyond your program’s walls, so if I’m not hitting on the right stuff, I really do need to hear from you.  Membership here continues to climb, but you are all very silent.  
   
  I really want to hear your thoughts and I want to know how this List can serve you well.  Please let me know.  Feel free to respond to the discussion on Measuring Gains, but also, feel free to start your own discussion topic, or feel free to send your thoughts to the List or to me personally regarding other discussions that you would like to see happen – and I’ll make them happen.  
   
  I value and appreciate your membership highly – but a Discussion List is only as good as the discussions that occur.  If you’ve never posted and that makes you a bit reticent, feel free to send me your post and I can do a couple of things like help you compose your message, or I can post your message for you anonymously.  The important thing is for your voices to be heard.
   
  Thanks!
   
  marie
   
  Marie Cora
  marie.cora at hotspurpartners.com
  NIFL Assessment Discussion List Moderator
  http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/assessment
  Coordinator, LINCS Assessment Special Collection
  http://literacy.kent.edu/Midwest/assessment/
   
   

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