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"He has excelled a lot since he's been
coming to FLI. He has really improved his reading.
He has received 13 awards at school. At home, we use the reading
techniques he has learned at school and at FLI.
I have seen a very big, positive change in his attitude towards
school and following directions."
Parent of 5th grade student
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History
In February 1999, several members of the Community Academic Success
Team (CAST), a local citizen advocacy group, formed to support the
Ann Arbor Achievement Initiative, met to discuss plans to host a
reading conference in Fall 1999. As the discussion progressed, it
became clear that a reading conference - while raising awareness and
bringing attention to the issues of reading and literacy - was not
a sufficient strategy for addressing the achievement gap effectively.
Rather, a more sustained, community-based, long-term strategy was
needed to help these young people succeed.
Doris Sperling, a former schoolteacher, and Lefiest Galimore, a community services professional,
committed themselves to plan, design,and implement the Family Learning Institute.
The program design was ultimately
based on the recommendations of five focus groups consisting of
diverse representatives from the community, area universities, colleges,
and Ann Arbor Public Schools. Recommendations included targeting
students in grades 3 through 8, designing a comprehensive focus
on students, parents, teachers, and tutors, and creating a multi-dimensional
curriculum to teach reading, writing, and thinking skills.
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What We Do
For some students, learning the basic academic skills - reading,
writing, thinking, speaking, and listening - takes extra effort and
more individual instruction than public schools can provide. All
too often, these students fall through the cracks, become discouraged
with themselves, and eventually drop out of school into an uncertain
future.
School Year Program
FLI targets students in grades 3-8 who are reading below
their expected grade level and whose family qualifies for low-income
status. Services are free of charge for enrolled students.
Each student attends a two-hour session once a week in the late
afternoon or evening. During each 60 minute section, students:
Study with trained Reading Coaches to develop comprehension skills, phonetic strategies and expand their vocabulary
and
Focus on writing, thinking and communication skills in group or private settings.
Summer Program
2008 FLI Summer Game Camp:
For the summer of 2008, the Family Learning Institute holds its annual
Summer Game Camp. Students get a chance to play computer games and
board games that exercise and develop areas of academic skill.
When?
Camp begins on June 23, 2008 and runs through August 21, 2008.
• First and Second Graders – Mondays 3:30pm – 5:30pm
• Third and Fourth Graders – Tuesdays 3:30pm – 5:30pm
• Fifth and Sixth Graders – Wednesdays 3:30pm – 5:30pm
• Seventh, Eighth 7 Ninth Graders – Thursdays 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Who?
Entering 1st through 9th graders who live in Washtenaw County.
Unlike our school-year program, we are opening our program to additional
grade levels so that more children can get a “jump start” to the school year.
Like our school-year program, we enroll students who qualify as
low-income (see our chart in the “Enroll or Refer a Student” area of this web-site).
Students must be behind in their reading by, at least, one grade level.
How Much Does it Cost?
FREE – to families who meet the eligibility guidelines.
How Do I Sign My Child Up?
Call Sandy at 995-6816. Fill out an application and mail in or drop off. Click
Online Student Application to print.
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Professional Staff
Executive Director - Sandy Williams
The Director oversees daily operations, implements policies and
procedures, supervises staff, and coordinates fundraising efforts.
The Director also meets with potential students and their parents,
oversees fund development, recruits volunteers, and is available
to answer general questions.
Teacher Consultants
Laudra Konwinski - Monday & Wednesday
Christy Martin - Tuesday
Amy Rolfes - Thursday
Our academic program is guided by our Teacher Consultants who are
skilled, experienced classroom teachers. They design individual
plans for each student, monitor growth through ongoing assessment and testing,
and provide guidance and support to our parents and volunteers.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is composed of community members, professionals,
and educators. The Board provides governance and oversight, decision-making
on policies, and ensures resources and funding.
Daniel Rubenstein, Chair
George Quist, Treasurer
Gloria Taylor, Secretary
R. Griffith "Griff" McDonald
Vicki Blayney
Judith Hommel
Henry Meares
Kelley Stupple
Jeff Hipchen
Laura Conlin
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Partnerships
FLI has taken an active role in organizing the Lifelong Literacy
Community Collaborative to help coordinate and develop resources
for literacy initiatives, Members of the collaborative includes
the Ann Arbor Public Schools, Washtenaw Literacy, Washtenaw Intermediate
School District, Washtenaw United Way, Washtenaw Community College,
the Family Book Club and the Ann Arbor District Library. Approximately
80% of the referrals of students to FLI come directly
from the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
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Data
Attendance Data
When the FLI first opened its doors on March 7, 2000, we
had 2 students. Currently, FLI is open four days a week and
serves close to 100 students. Over the past six years
we have served over 650 children.
Academic Data
The
Qualitative Reading Inventory III (QRI III) is a reputable, reliable
reading test that st recent student data showed that within a 6 month period:
3% increased their reading proficiency by THREE grade levels.
27% increased their reading proficiency by TWO years.
43% increased their reading proficiency by ONE year.
27% remained at current level.
(It is normal for some students to have a "leveling off" period
usually followed by a period of growth.)
In addition to semi-annual QRI testing, school grades, MEAP and standardized test scores are
monitored regularly.
Feedback from Teachers and Parents
One of the most gratifying and satisfying part of our program is receiving
the glowing and thankful feedback from teachers and parents. Teachers
report that they see substantial improvement in the FLI students'
academics, school grades, self-confidence, and attitude. Parents report that
the FLI program motivates their children to read more at home,
complete homework assignments and take more responsibility at school.
We are extremely pleased and proud of the
success of our program and our students.
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