Critical Literacy

1. Critical Literacy Reframing Information for the Academically-Underprepared Paige Hendrickson, Smyrna Campus Librarian Motlow State Community College

2. What is Critical Literacy? • Critical Thinking + Information Literacy = Critical Literacy • No Single Accepted Definition • Frank Serafini’s definition from Reading the Visual: An Introduction to Teaching Multimodal Literacy (2014): • “…being literate requires one to be able to use the various modes of representation to make sense of the world and convey meanings in particular social contexts for particular social purposes (20).” • Joanne M. Carris’ definition from Ghosts of No Child Left Behind (2011): • “[Critical Literacy] involves critical thinking and action. It is the ability to interpret experiences, events, and circumstances within a social and political perspective to encourage self and social transformation (200).”

3. METALITERACY Multiliteracy • Developed by the New London Group in 1994 for more inclusive classroom instruction. • Multimodal: • Linguistic • Visual • Audio • Spatial • Gestural

4. Project Information Literacy https://www.projectinfolit.org/

5. What does it mean to be academically-Underprepared? Learning Support (LS) Courses: Writing, Reading, Math—Low ACT and/or Accuplacer Test Scores English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learners (ELL) High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) vs. Traditional High School Diploma with College Preparation Basic Computer & Technology Skills

6. The Condition of College & Career Readiness in 2014 (from )

7. The Condition of College & Career Readiness in 2014

8. Organizational Skills • Time Management • Study Strategies • Computer Skills • Reading & Writing Proficiencies • Oral & Written Communication • Critical Thinking • Research Abilities • Analytical Thinking • Problem Solving • Interpersonal Skills • Concentration & Focus • Motivation & Dedication Essential Academic Skills To ensure student success and completion of tasks & goals.

9. Learning Support & Co-Requisite learning Remedial – Developmental – Learning Support • Co-Requisite Model • Learning Support Course + College Level Course • First Year Experience (FYE) • Only Co-Req’d with Reading at First • Later Required for Any LS Deficiency • Tutoring & Student Success • Embedded Tutors (LS Writing) • Writing Center & Math Lab • Completion Coaches

14. MSCC Fall 2018 Student Enrollment 40% growth over last five years 50.2% full-time & 49.8% part-time 30% TN Promise eligible & 16% TN Reconnect eligible 21% non-traditional (25 years and older) 15% TN Reconnect students under age 25 56.6% Learning Support referrals upon arrival Unduplicated Headcount by Campus

15. Fall Enrollment Trends—Headcount

16. Other Contributing Factors for Academic Unpreparedness • English as a Second Language (ESL) • English Language Learners (ELL) • Only 5.6% students indicated English as a second language college-wide (self-reported) • HiSet/GED vs. Traditional High School Diploma • Social Interactions • College Preparedness • Technology Access

17. Basic Computer & Technology Skills Software/Programs: Hardware/Equipment: • Computers • CPU, Keyboard, Mouse, Optical Drive, USB Drive • Laptops & Tablets • Printers • Copiers & Scanners • Graphing Calculators • Email • Operating Systems • Browsers/Databases • Microsoft Office • Learning Management System (LMS) • Cloud Storage • WiFi

18. Drive to 55 TN Promise + TN Reconnect • TN Promise • All Graduating Tennessee High School Seniors • 8 Hours of Community Service per Semester • Attend Consecutive Semesters (Up to 5) • Associate Degree Program • Enrolled at Least 12 Credit Hours per Semester (Full Time) • TN Reconnect • Qualifying Adult TN Residents • 25+ years old or Considered “Independent” • Tennessee Resident (1 year) • No Previously-Earned College Degree • Enrolled at Least 6 Credit Hours per Semester (Half Time)

19. Motlow State Community College is the top performing institution among all colleges and universities in The College System of TN, according to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). Fall 2018 Retention Rates: ALL Motlow Students = 75.2% Reconnect Students (25+) = 79.5% Reconnect Students (<25) = 80.6% Non-Reconnect Students (25+) = 62.7% Non-Reconnect Students (<25) = 75.4% Eleven-County Service Area In Fall 2017, 39.2% were from Rutherford County 61% Fall–to-Fall Retention Rate (compared to system average of 55.9%) 33% Graduation Rate (compared to system average of 23.7%) 25% Dual Enrollment students 85% TN Promise students

20. 1 out of 6 Rutherford County adults struggle with literacy. GED/HiSET Tutoring Adult Learning Pairs ESL Classes & Tutoring Pairs Community Events Rutherford County’s Literacy Organization that improves lives by offering free literacy programs & events to children and adults.

21. Impacts & Solutions for Underpreparedness Re-educating Students and Faculty Reframing Information

23. Keys to being‘Connected, Mindful, Active’ • Re-Education of Students, Staff, & Faculty— • Accessibility to Library Staff & Available Resources • Communication is Key—Need Help? Have Questions? Speak Up!! • Reframing Information— • Meeting Students/Patrons Where They Struggle • Thinking/Stepping Outside the (Library) Comfort Zone

24. Sponsoring Student Clubs/Organizations • Planning Campus Events with Other Departments • Cooperative Technology Workshops/Focus Sessions • Coffee/Cocoa/Tea & Snacks • Continuous Communication with Faculty • Personal Connections/Investment • Volunteer/Community Service Opportunities for Students New & Old ideas revisited

25. Questions? Comments? Thank you!