District Literacy Plan 2014

1. District Literacy Plan 2014 Literacy has the power to change people’s lives Rocky Mountain School District No. 6

2. Acknowledgements District Literacy Plans are developed in community-wide processes that include many partners. Giving direction and support to the literacy development of early learners, school-aged children and youth, and adult learners, in three distinct communities across a wide geographic area, is a huge undertaking. It has been accomplished through shared vision and commitment to collaboration by a team of learning leaders. It is my pleasure to acknowledge these contributors. Literacy committee members representing agencies, community groups, schools, and other interested people attend meetings across the district all year. They share their stories and ideas and support one another within their communities. We appreciate the diverse contributions of each of these literacy champions. In each of the three zones there is a leader who coordinates planning and communication. Katie Andruschuk, Monica De, and Kim Robertsare the CBAL Community Literacy Coordinators who do this important work and do it well. Pulling the pieces together across the entire region is Betty Knight who brings extensive knowledge and an amazing skill set to the role of CBAL Regional Manager. On behalf of all literacy learners in the Rocky Mountain District, thank you to our partners in the District Literacy Plan! Cheryl Lenardon Assistant Superintendent Rocky Mountain School District No. 6

3. Our Task Group CBAL Manager: Coordinates Community Processes Golden Coordinator Windermere Valley Coordinator Kimberley Coordinator The Community Literacy Planning Committees meet three times each year. Generally, at the first meeting in the fall they review the plan, assess resources available to enable implementation of various aspects of the plan, discuss the next steps the various partners will take toward the accomplishment of initiatives and generally support, encourage , and look for opportunities to partner. The second meeting is a meeting on the theme of ‘where are we now and what else can we accomplish this year’ . The final meeting of the year in the spring is a look back at accomplishments and challenges and looking forward to next year in order to revise and build a plan for the coming year. Golden College of the Rockies, Early Childhood Development Coalition, Golden Employment Services, Public Health, Golden Family Centre, Golden Women’s Resource Society, Food Bank Windermere Valley Invermere Public Library, Radium Public Library, MCFD, SD6, College of the Rockies, Akisqnuk First Nation, Shuswap First Nation, Supported Child Development, East Kootenay Employment Centre, Family Resource Centre, Windermere Valley ECD Team Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank, Public Library, Early Childhood Development Team, Schools, COTR, Interior Health, ESLP Program,, Kimberley City Council, Youth Justice, Youth Committee, United Church, Seniors Helping Seniors, Friends of the Public Library CBAL Manager: Coordinates Development of and Documents Plan RMSD6: Submits to Ministry

4. Community Context Golden Community groups have noticed a decline in volunteerism as well as ‘volunteer burnout.’ As a result, the number of literacy programs and events have been reduced such as Ready Set Learn events and One to One Children’s Reading Program sessions. Public health moved to the hospital, which makes it hard for families to access for programs such as Baby Talk. However, Early Childhood Development Coalition is working on securing funding for an Early Years centre that will allow community groups to utilize the space at no cost for programs and services . Golden Community Resources Society secured funding for an Age Friendly Community Project to assess the needs and develop a strategic plan for seniors to age in place in Golden. Service providers can use the information from this project to determine the learning needs for this demographic. CBAL has been awarded s year contract by Citizenship and Immigration to provide settlement services in 11 communities throughout the Basin, including all three SD6 communities. These services include settlement assistance and ESL instruction CBAL also continues to receive some provincial funding to provide services to those newcomers who are not eligible for federal ly funded assistance. CBAL continues to provide workplace preparation workshops and other workplace training to WorkBC clients under contract. This association has proved to be an excellent path to connect with adults who need literacy assistance. EDI results continue to show increasing vulnerability throughout the School District. Wave 5 Provincial Average – 32.5%, Golden 37%, Kimberley 32%, Windermere Valley 23% Individually, vulnerability is highest on the Social Competence scale – 15% Prov. Average, SD 18% School enrollment at the primary level remains high, resulting in a “bubble” of students that will put pressure on resources for youth in the coming years. Childcare spaces are still critically scarce, though childcare centres are struggling to operate profitably. High school enrollment has declined for the fourth year, where the entering Grade 8 class has been consistently 5-10% smaller than the graduating Grade 12 class. Community demographics: employers find it difficult to hire seasonal employees at minimum wage jobs; young families have a hard time staying in the valley due to lack of good employment Windermere Valley College of the Rockies offers Fire Certificate Program: online training, world wide training and in person training at campus – 1 of 4 sites in Western Canada – 400 students since Sept. Chamber of Commerce Go B.C. pilot project Ambassador program launched – goal for all employees to receive 1 day training to promote Kimberley City –economic dev. focus on lifestyle/tourism. City Bus added 2 extra days/ wk travel to Cranbrook usage increased. CBAL’s Welcoming Communities Project increased immigrant support through settlement services. Continuing attrition in family counselling and referral services Friends of the Kimberley Public Library Book Store raises $800/month to support community literacy/library initiatives . Food Bank clients are 30% children . Youth Center reopened –consistent though limited hours-offered employment related literacy workshops for youth. GP4Me – potential projects to connect health services & include health literacy components Kimberley

5. 4 Pillars Early Learning Adult School Age Aboriginal

6. Community Development & Literacy Collaborations Collaborations that have happened What Makes Collaborations work Essential Ongoing Collaborations

7. Long Term Vision • Golden • All people in our community understand the importance of literacy and see themselves as lifelong learners. • Children and youth value education as reflected through their actions and choices from birth to adulthood. • Community organizations work together to support existing programs. • Kimberley • Literacy programs, services and collaborations are maintained, supported, and sustained in our community. • There are opportunities for literacy growth and development across all ages through cooperative community efforts. • Windermere Valley • We are a community where everyone has or can learn the essential skills they need to participate fully in every aspect of society. • Education, action, and lifelong learning as tools for a healthy community are well supported

8. EARLY LEARNING Goals , Actions & Indicators of Success for 2012-13 Goals Actions Indicators of Success

9. Goals for 2013-14 Goal: Goal: Goal: Indicators of Success: Indicators of Success: Indicators of Success: Actions: • Actions: Actions: Resources. Resources: Resources:

10. CBAL provides, alone or in partnership, a wide variety of community literacy programs to complement the many community supports , programs and services that support literacy and learning that are provided by key community partners and supporters of literacy such as public libraries, the College of the Rockies, SD6, Early Childhood committee members, Public Health and many others.