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 school teacher, 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. Professional StaffExecutive Director - Amy Conlin Rolfes
Amy is an Ann Arbor native and attended Ann Arbor public schools. Amy has been a classroom teacher in both regular and special education. Amy has a BA and MA in Education from the University of Michigan, and has been lead teacher at FLI for two years. As Executive Director, Amy guides the organization, advocates for students and informs and educates the community about FLI. If you would like Amy to speak to your organization about FLI, please contact her at amy@familylearninginstitute.org or call at 1-734-995-6816. TeachersSkilled and experienced classroom teachers guide our academic program. They teach, design individual plans for each student, monitor growth through ongoing assessment and testing, and provide guidance and support to our parents and volunteers. Angela Mehney, Literacy Teacher Board of DirectorsOur 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.
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Angela has a Bachelor of Science degree with an Elementary Education Certification in grades Pre-K through 8 from Central Michigan University . Angela has been a QRI tester with FLI since the fall of 2007 and will lead reading and writing sessions with our students.