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.
NISAL is a research and development institute within the Department of Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska-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, and a part-time project coordinator.
Resource Library: A resource lending library of more than 2000 items is available, containing a diverse collection of published and unpublished curriculum and professional/staff development materials, computer software, audio and video recordings, and a variety of professional journals.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 implementation of seminars and workshops.
Research: NISAL is involved in research related to adult education and literacy, including the areas of program development and evaluation, teaching and learning in the community and the impact of welfare reform on ABE programs.
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.
The NISAL offices are staffed Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 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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Last updated: 02/16/00