Regional Achievement Programme (RAP)[Publications] [Case Studies] [Events] ________________________________________ |
|
 | What is the RAP programme? |
| Skills for Life |
| Literacy, Language and Numeracy |
| What can be expected from the RAP? |
| RAP Objectives |
| The Move On approach |
| Contacts |
What is the RAP programme?
The RAP is a NIACE programme supported and funded by the Adult Basic Skills Strategy Unit at the Department for Education and Skills.
| Its aim is to: ‘enhance the identification, recording and celebration of achievement in literacy, language and numeracy and to assist in securing qualifications and progression for learners.’ |
The RAP is a regional programme which supports local LSCs in their work by engaging with providers and policy makers and working with other players at a regional level to meet regional needs in enhancing the LLN provision.
Skills for Life
Skills for Life, launched in March 2001, is the national strategy for improving adult literacy, language and numeracy. Absolutely central to this strategy is the need to increase the quality of the experience of learners as they seek to improve their skills and to ensure appropriate recognition of their achievements.
The infrastructure to meet these aims is now largely in place including: new national standards and curricula based upon them, new nationally recognised qualifications for both learners and teachers, and increased capacity and support for teacher training and continuing professional development.
The focus now must be on developing and embedding best practice across all aspects of teaching and learning to maximise learners’ opportunities, experiences and achievements, including the national tests.
Literacy, Language and Numeracy
NIACE's Literacy, Language and Numeracy (LLN) work includes both research and development activities such as staff development with UKonline/Learndirect, the Recruitment and Training Opportunities (RETRO) programme for teachers and the Numeracy Energiser (inspiring numeracy tutors). It also includes the Pathfinder for LLN for people with learning difficulties or disabilities, an initiative to examine informal LLN activities for young adults and embedding basic skills. We work with many national partners We publish reports, produce articles and videos, write books and organise events and conferences. We operate at both regional and national levels and are members of many advisory groups. We link our LLN activities to the wider remit of NIACE, including Adult Learners' Week, family learning, older people, young adult learners’ partnership, and our work with further education colleges , local authorities and the voluntary and community sector.
NIACE believes it is important:
|
What can be expected from the RAP?
| regional advice on the latest developments in literacy, language and numeracy. |
| materials to support the development of learner centred achievement. |
| networking opportunities for the sharing of good practice in terms of achievement in literacy, language and numeracy. |
| web-based information via NIACE’s website/ |
| a coherent approach to working with other regional partners to support Skills for Life. |
RAP Objectives
To engage with providers, including the workplace and voluntary and community settings to:
| provide workshop support and training to inform and facilitate development of achievement and qualifications in relation to literacy, language and numeracy. |
| provide support in the regions, complementary to existing initiatives, on aspects of good practice in adult literacy, language and numeracy ‘embedded’ in other kinds of learning in terms of achievement and personal progression. |
The RAP will do this by:
Raising the level of understanding around achievement:
| by contributing to discussions about significance of non-accredited learning and the value and role of formative and summative assessment as well as nationally recognised qualifications. |
| by enabling providers to access appropriate tools for assessment. |
Advocating for success
| by involving practitioners and other agencies in the process of their development. |
| by continuing to identify what works for adult learners and helps them to achieve their goals. |
Promoting achievement
| by developing materials such as the four NIACE Lifelines books on achievement in literacy, language, numeracy and embedded basic skills. |
| by encouraging and helping providers and others to celebrate learner achievement of all kinds. |
The Move
On approach simply...
Move On is the strand of SfL that focuses on people with L1&2 Literacy and Numeracy skills. It challenges the notion that widening participation in learning is best achieved by ‘hiding’ basic skills provision in other activities and offers a direct approach to promotion, recruitment & delivery.
Promotion: people with L1&2 skills would not see themselves as having basic skills needs but should be offered an opportunity to brush up their skills, gain an English and Maths qualification & Move On…
Training for recruiters/signposters/ champions /promoters explores the positive language to use with clients/colleagues/friends instead of the negative “Have you got a problem with your reading, writing, maths?” that has often created a barrier to people feeling comfortable suggesting basic skills learning opportunities to those who could benefit.
Delivery: the Move On Approach offers a chance to sample the
National Tests, then take a focused brush up course that includes two
strands:
1) an individual learning programme to address learners own skills needs,
and
2) preparation and practice to gain the National Certificates in Adult
Literacy and Numeracy when ready.
The Move On project is funded by the Adult Basic Skills Strategy Unit to extend this approach across the country and give support to organisations wishing to adopt it. Regional Advisers will give you support. Their contact, details and lots of free resources at www.move-on.org.uk
Contacts
NIACE’s Regional Development Officers working on the RAP are:
James Luger (East Midlands)
james.luger@niace.org.uk
David Ewens (East Midlands)
On secondment until March 2006
Jane Ward (North West)
jane.ward@niace.org.uk
Jan Novitzsky (North East / Yorkshire and the Humber)
jan.novitzsky@niace.org.uk
Jenny Williams (South East)
jenny.williams@niace.org.uk
Judith Gawn (London)
judith.gawn@niace.org.uk
Marie Kerwin (North West / West Midlands)
marie.kerwin@niace.org.uk
Mavis Zutshi (South West)
mavis.zutshi@niace.org.uk
Sue O’Gorman (Eastern)
sue.ogorman@niace.org.uk
For further information please contact our administrative team on 0116 2047058
