Since 2001, Barbara has served as co-director of the Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy and of the Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy in the College of Education. Prior to joining the Institute, Barbara taught high school English and reading, developmental reading and GED preparation at a community college, and adult basic education (ABE) and GED preparation at a community education center. She also developed and ran a library-based literacy program. With the Institute since 1986, Barbara's work focuses on adult learning and literacy in work, family, and health/nutrition contexts. In these areas, she has experience in designing and evaluating programs, curricula, and instructional materials for adult learners. Barbara also consults with various agencies and organizations on the design and development of educational programs and of informational and instructional materials for adults.
Current and recent projects and activities:
Family Literacy
Statewide Evaluation of Pennsylvania's Family Literacy Programs
Pennsylvania's Family Literacy Consortium
Lebanon (PA) School District’s Early Reading First Program Professional Development Component
Best practices in First 5/LA Exemplary Validation Program (Los Angeles County Office of Education)
Program improvement for Gannon University (PA) Hooked on Reading! Hooked on Families! ProgramWorkforce Education
Pennsylvania's Workforce Education Research CenterHealth/Nutrition and Literacy
Rosalie’s Neighborhood, health education materials for limited literacy parents/caregivers)Adult Literacy Resources
National Institute for Literacy’s LINCS Workforce Competitiveness and Basic Skills Resource Collections
National Center for Family Literacy’s Let’s Talk About Wordless Picture Books, a volunteer-focused adult English language development interventionOther
Pennsylvania's Adult Basic and Literacy Education Data Systems: ABLE Tech
Email: blv1@psu.edu
Phone: 814-865-5876
Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy
Penn State University, 208 Rackley Building, University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814)863-3777 Fax: (814)863-6108
isal@psu.edu