Nebraska Institute for the
Study of Adult Literacy
PURPOSE:
As the State Literacy Resource Center for Nebraska, NISAL provides a central point of contact for researchers, decision-makers, and literacy providers in Nebraska and serves as a vital link between providers and user groups, community-based organizations, state agencies, and business and industry. The Institute enhances existing practice by promoting and providing information and resources to enhance and encourage best practices.
ADMINISTRATIVE/ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:
NISAL is a research and development institute within the Department of Vocational and Adult Education, University of Nebrasksa-Lincoln, and was designated by the governor to serve as the State Literacy Resource Center for the state. Fiscal oversight is provided by the Nebraska Department of Education. The Nebraska Committee for Literacy Initiatives, appointed by the governor, serves in an advisory capacity to the SLRC functions of the Institute. NISAL operates under the direction of a UNL faculty member, part-time project coordinator, and part-time secretarial assistant.
SERVICES:
Resource Library A resource lending library of more than 1200 items is available, containing a diverse collection of published and unpublished curriculum and professional/staff development materials, computer software, audio and video recordings, and a variety of professional journals.
Professional/Staff Development and Training: NISAL encourages and supports innovative strategies and "best practices" by providing opportunities for staff development to all literacy providers, developing and coordinating activities to involve multiple stakeholders in confronting literacy issues, and participating in the planning and implemtation of seminars and workshops.
Research: NISAL is articles involved in research related to adult education and literacy, including the areas of program evaluation, teaching and learning, and collaboration.
Additional services include information dissemination; teleconference downlinking; communication and collaboration link with provider groups, state agencies, community organizations, and business and industry; liaison with national literacy centers, and; technology assistance.
NEWSLETTER:
NISAL publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Nebraska Adult Literacy Digest. The newsletter is available to anyone interested in issues related to literacy practice, research, new materials, technology, state news and accomplishments, professional development, and policy. The newsletter is available at no charge and currently reaches a diverse group of literacy practitioners, policy makers, state agencies, and members of business and industry.
ACCESS:
The NISAL offices are staffed part-time Monday through Friday, between the ours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. NISAL has a 24-hour voice mail system to accept calls when staff are not available. Requests for information or materials can be made via telephone, mail, fax, or Internet systems.
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