1. Challenges in Measuring and Collecting Data for Evaluation When the Community is the Unit of Analysis Petrice Sams-Abiodun, PhD Lindy Boggs National Center for Community Literacy NIFL Community Literacy Summit March 19, 2007

2. Lindy Boggs National Center for Community Literacy

3. Mission The mission of the Lindy Boggs National Center for Community Literacy is to promote adult literacy as a vehicle for personal, economic, and community empowerment

4. Pre-Katrina Literacy Challenge 40% of adults in Orleans Parish read below the 6 th grade level 30% of adults in Orleans Parish read between 6 th & 8 th grade level Less than 10% of low-literate adults are enrolled in an adult education program.

5. Pre-Katrina Data Collection Strategy Literacy Alliance of Greater New Orleans Service Provider Network Data Sharing Project

6. Data Sharing & Measurement Challenges Diversity of providers Using a range of assessments and instructional methods Funders’ reporting requirements

7. Literacy Alliance Evaluation Measuring strength of partnerships and collaboration Integration of best practices into Provider Network

8. Adult Learners Initiating Voices for Education (ALIVE) Collecting qualitative data on stories and experiences of adult learners in and out of programs

9. Post-Katrina Measuring & Data Collection Transient Geographic Area Major Demographic Shifts Creating New Ways to Count Things

10. Measuring Institutional and System Change The Boggs Center is developing and implementing a community-based research & evaluation agenda focused on the impact of racism and poverty on adult literacy.

11. Work Literacy as a tool for getting a good job Creating a Regional Workforce Intermediary Creating a Performance Measurement and Management System

12. Family Literacy as a tool to assist families to return, reclaim and renew their lives School system Community College System Other recovery organizations and systems (Road Home)

13. Culture Culture as a Strength in New Orleans

14. Neighborhood Story Project Writing as a tool to give voice to the voiceless Neighborhood stories – Five Books “Coming out the Door” Nine Times Social Aid and Pleasure Club Upcoming Project: Writing and Re-Entry

15. 13 Lessons: A Tool for Community Discourse  The Arts  Literacy Awareness & Dialogue  Advocacy

16. Bridges of Hope