Appendix A - Key Resources and Professional
Development Opportunities

Key Resources

(1) Literacy and Basic Skills Program Guidelines. (Revised October 2000) MTCU, LBS Section.

These revised guidelines are meant to lead you through the many facets and features of the LBS Program. Sections 1 to 3 and Section 7 are a must read. They will tell you about the Ministry vision, Program principles, Program objectives, LBS delivery services and Directives. You might also want to look at Appendices 3 and 7 of the Guidelines for an overview of Core Quality Standards and Ontario Works. Appendix 5 provides a list of key definitions and acronyms. The LBS Guidelines are constantly updated as the Program moves in new directions.

If you cannot access a copy of the Guidelines right away, you can download one from the MTCU/LBS website: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/literacy/main.html

(2) New to Adult Literacy in Ontario: What Literacy Staff Need to Know. (2001) Ann Semple. Literacy Link South Central.

(3) New to Adult Literacy in Ontario?: What Else Literacy Staff Need to Know. (2003) Patti Miller. Literacy Link South Central.

These are excellent companion documents for the Literacy and Basic Skills Program Guidelines and the Orientation Guide for the New LBS College Practitioner. As their titles suggest, they were developed for newcomers to the field of adult literacy in Ontario. The 2001 document provides a comprehensive overview of the literacy field, detailing the present structure and listing important information in easy-to- find sections. It also includes an extensive glossary of acronyms. The 2003 document organizes new resources in the field using field development priorities as a guide. Descriptions of resources are provided to help you understand how to use them in your own program. It is not a duplication of the previous document. The 2001 document is available for viewing online at: http://www.llsc.on.ca. This website also tells you how to order the 2003 document.

(4) Working With Learning Outcomes: Validation Draft. (1998) MTCU, LBS Section.

The introduction of this document outlines the learning outcomes approach, describes how the Learning Outcomes Matrix is organized and discusses the features of quality demonstrations. It includes the 5 levels of outcomes which are articulated to grade levels and the Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) essential skills. Your program will likely have a copy. If not, call AlphaPlus at 1-800-788-1120. (For more information about this organization and its services, see Unit # 6.)