Oklahoma Spanish Language Outreach Program: Siga Adelante (Moving Forward)
Multiple documents are included in each template:
Family Health Workshop Template Family Literacy Workshop Template Community/Culture Additional Materials: Webinar slides on Oklahoma's Siga Adelante (Moving Forward) Program The Oklahoma Spanish Outreach Language Program. Siga Adelante (Moving Forward) is a partnership between WebJunction and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Siga Adelante was designed, implemented, supervised and evaluated by the Office of Library Development and the Literacy Resource Office within the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL). The Oklahoma project was unique from programs implemented by other states participating in the WebJunction Spanish Outreach Language Program. It was funded for one (1) year as a pilot project in 2006, with the possibility of a continuance into a second year. Due to its success, Oklahoma was awarded funds to continue the program. Oklahoma found that one year was required to fully develop three (3) topics. With the second year of funding, three (3) additional topics were developed. This manual is provided as a guide for other states to replicate Oklahoma's successful program. It identifies best practices and lessons learned. Included here are six (6) topics. Six (6) public libraries in partnership with their local literacy programs were selected as pilot sites, representing both small and large communities. Demographic data for the communities is included. Representatives from each site met and determined topics for development that would benefit the Hispanic community, encourage attendance at library and literacy programs, and utilization of community resources. The topics chosen by the participating entities were: Health; Citizenship; Family Reading/Literacy; Finance; Employment; and Community Culture. Each pilot site agreed to take on the responsibility of preparation for one (1) topic. While each of the six (6) pilot sites developed one of the six (6) topics, all sites field tested each topic. A template was developed for each topic and included several lesson plans which provided a guideline for participating programs. These templates are detailed and fully developed. Many sessions and lessons were planned around important celebrations such as "Cinco De Mayo" and "El dia de los ninos"/ El dia de los libros." Participation was high because the programs were marketed as free family gatherings where food, snacks, and activities for both parents and children were provided. At each site, both adult and children's activities were provided for every program offered and an interpreter was always present. Also, English as a second language services were advertised and participants were encouraged to avail themselves of these opportunities. The library/literacy sites providing the programs were cognizant of the fact that the majority of Hispanic families would not be available during working hours, consequently most programs were held either in the evenings or on weekends. Several programs were expanded to local businesses that encouraged participation of their employees after hours. Calendars of current community events as well as upcoming library events were distributed to participants at every event. Attendees were given instruction and encouraged to use public computers at each session. Programs were advertised through local media, library displays, local churches, businesses and community organizations. Also, T30-Telemundo, the Hispanic TV station in Oklahoma City, broadcast two segments on Siga Adelante and the project was featured in "Literacy Notes" a statewide publication. To fully evaluate the program, outcomes and outputs were gathered from the participants and the library and literacy partners. Outcomes were obtained from the Hispanic participants utilizing pre/post tests examples. The Oklahoma Department of Libraries and participating pilot sites appreciate the support of WebJunction with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for making this project possible. Those involved in the Oklahoma project hope these Siga Adelante templates are useful resources to libraries and literacy programs throughout the country. |
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