FLAGS - Family Literacy Alliance of Greater Syracuse

The Vision

Onondaga County will be recognized as a world-class community for literacy. We believe that literacy is the foundation of full and rewarding participation in the social, economic and civic life of our community. We believe that literacy affects everyone-individuals, families, businesses, community organizations and government.

All members of our community achieve a level of literacy that enables them to be successful students, parents, citizens, employees and life-long learners.

All children become life-long learners and readers.

Parents and caregivers encourage a love of literacy and become active participants in their children's literacy development.

Our community offers a wide range of high quality literacy programs that have adequate resources, and are non-judgmental and responsive.

All residents of Onondaga County accept responsibility and participate in creating and supporting a fully literate community.

Young children will enter kindergarten prepared to be successful students. INDICATOR: Increased number of incoming kindergarteners prepared for school

Students are literate and prepared for success in higher education and/or employment. INDICATOR: Increased number of K-12 students meeting proficiency standards on NY State English and Language Arts (ELA) assessment. INDICATOR: Increased high school graduation rates.

Adults of all ages and backgrounds will achieve levels of literacy that allow them to be successful parents, citizens and employees. INDICATOR: Increased number of adult learners including those who speak English as a second language, meeting national proficiency standards

Parents and caregivers encourage a love of literacy and become active participants in their children's literacy development. INDICATOR: Increased number of children who read, or are read to, daily

Literacy providers offer a wide range of high-quality programs that have adequate resources, are non-judgmental and responsive. INDICATOR: Increased number of literacy and community programs using evidence-based practices to serve people with diverse learning needs and styles

The entire community will recognize the value of a fully literate community and participate in helping to realize the vision. INDICATOR: Increased funding and community support for literacy related programs and services

OUR TIMELINE

Phase I
July 2006-December 2007	Develop vision, outcomes, indicators
January-March 2007	Finalize indicators and begin implementation planning
Phase II
April-June 2007	Develop governance structure and process
July-November 2007	Set targets, collect baseline data, identify and secure resources
Phase III
November 2007-ongoing	Implementation and monitoring of targets and strategies

LITERACY IMPACT TASK FORCE

Diane Apter, Apter & O'Connor Associates**
Jenni Bartholomew, United Way of Central New York
Minna Buck, Success by Six Policy Council/FLAGS Advisory Committee
Kathy Byrnes, Family Literacy Alliance of Greater Syracuse/OCM BOCES*
Bruce Carter, Syracuse University, College of Human Services and Health Professions
Mark Cass, ProLiteracy Worldwide
Jessica Cohen, OCM BOCES
Calvin Corriders, HSBC Bank,/Syracuse City School District Board/Central New York Community Foundation Board
John Eberle, Central New York Community Foundation
Bob Frawley, NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Bea Gonzalez, University College of Syracuse University/Syracuse Common Council
Kathy Hinchman, Syracuse University
Carol Hill, Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce
Karen Howard, Syracuse City School District
Ed Kochian, Onondaga County, Office of the County Executive
Joyce Latham, Onondaga County Public Library
Peggy Liuzzi, Child Care Solutions
Dan Lowengard, Syracuse City School District
Dorothy Matthews, Syracuse City School District Board
Sarah Merrick, Onondaga County Department of Social Services
Cynthia O'Connor, Apter & O'Connor Associates**
Kim Scott, Central New York Community Foundation*
Mary Ann Shaw, Central New York Community Foundation Board
Debi Spencer, American Red Cross
Jennifer Sullivan Rost, United Way of Central New York/Success by Six
Joe Vargo, Partners for Education & Business
Bobbi Yonai, Syracuse University, Center for Support of Teaching and Learning

*Co-Chair
**Facilitators