RiPAL-BC Projects
We initiate and develop projects that take a research-in-practice approach to issues in literacy and adult basic education. Our current projects and initiatives include the following:
Practitioner Researchers: Part time Contract Position
(September 2007- April 2008)
Connecting the Dots: Improving Accountability in the
Adult Literacy Field in Canada
Call for Applications
RiPAL-BC is partnering with The Centre for Literacy, the Movement for Canadian Literacy and Literacy BC on a project that will apply research-in-practice approaches to consolidate and exchange knowledge about current accountability policy and practice in adult literacy from Canada and abroad; find a common language between the community and government and other funders to talk about accountability; and build on this knowledge to develop innovative models that can satisfy the needs and requirements of both providers and funders and improve accountability in positive ways.
For more information on the project: www.centreforliteracy.qc.ca
-Accountability project overview (after July 4, 2007).
In the first year, practitioner researchers will collect data, analyze and report on accountability policies and practices by regions. This field review will offer a description and comprehensive analysis of the types of accountability models currently being used in adult literacy/basic education in different parts of Canada, and how funders and providers perceive them.
Responsibilities
We are seeking 5 practitioner researchers who will work with Marina Niks, field research coordinator, and each carry out the following tasks:
- Familiarize themselves with key documents of the literature on accountability being used in the project
- Collect information about current policies and practices in one or two regions of Canada. This will entail phone, electronic and in person conversations with policy makers, advocates, administrators and practitioners as well as other forms of data collection such as questionnaires or interviews. Any policy documents currently in place or in available draft version will be collected prior to the interpersonal data collection.
- Analyze the information
- Contribute to the collaborative writing of the field review report
- Actively participate in the online conversations among the field researchers as the project develops
Each of the five contracts involves a total of 350 hours at the rate of $35/hour (total value $12,250) to be worked between September 2007 and April 2008. Practitioner researchers will be expected to dedicate an estimate of 40-45 hours each month.
Qualifications
We are seeking five adult literacy practitioners with:
- Research-in-practice experience
- An interest in and some general knowledge of accountability issues such as program evaluation, measuring progress, etc.
- Excellent facilitation, organization and writing skills
- Connections to and knowledge of the adult literacy field in at least one Canadian province or territory
- Availability to participate in a three-day meeting in Vancouver (October 3-5, 2007)
Please send a letter electronically, outlining your interest and qualifications, along with a CV and references to ripal@literacy.bc.ca, by July 30, 2007.
While we thank all those that apply, only candidates selected will be contacted. We expect to have a decision made by August 14, 2007.
For further information, contact Marina Niks at mniks@thehub.literacy.bc.ca.
