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Winter 1996 Volume 10 Number 2Continuance is a quarterly newsletter funded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. It is a collaborative project of the 32 Higher Education Cooperation Act partners in Illinois Contents
Front PageThis issue of Continuance gives an overview of the Intergenerational Movement in Illinois through snapshots of successful programs, descriptions of intergenerational coalitions called Then and Now, and a review of intergenerational research and events that have emerged as defining moments. A new series called Issues Across Generations, brings input from experts in higher education, elementary and secondary education, aging, and children and families. Snapshots of Successful ProgramsThe Intergenerational Movement in Illinois has been defined and described in many ways. For example, the status of intergenerational programs in schools has been summarized by principals and superintendents through an Illinois State Board of Education survey--page 2, and a survey of postsecondary deans--page 3. Then and NowCoalitions are part of the intergenerational movement as shown by the Chicago Intergenerational Network (as shown in the opposite photo). Other examples of beginning coalitions are given on page three. Issues Across GenerationsFive experts present the important issues that are making an impact on their organizations. The issues are governance in higher education, the perceptions of older adults, an overview of children and families, the view of public schools, and grandparents raising grandchildren. All is on pages four and five. Have You Tried This?Bringing generations together to talk about topics that are important to both is a great way to begin intergenerational activities or add richness to programs already in existence. Setting Goals with Chicago Public SchoolsIn the photo below, members of the Chicago Intergenerational Network are obviously enjoying their opportunity for sharing information about tutoring with Chicago Public Schools administrator, Phil Jackson, Deputy Chief of Staff. Page TwoIntergenerational Movement in IllinoisGrowth of Intergenerational ProgramsIntergenerational programming have increased according to a survey of principals and superintendents conducted by the Illinois State Board of Education. The last survey conducted nearly five years ago identified 178 programs. Currently there are 390 programs. A large number of principals and superintendents who do not have programs are supportive and interested in involving older adults in their schools--99% of superintendents supported the idea as did 96% of the principals. The most common programs are tutoring, joint activities between old and young, mentoring, and socialization. The most common subject areas for intergenerational programs are reading, math, language arts, literature, writing, science, and community service. A more comprehensive discussion of the survey will be available in the March/April issue of the Illinois Association of School Boards Journal. Rather then try to describe every program in Illinois (although we will produce a Directory this spring), we can describe several long-lived programs that typify the Intergenerational Movement. The following programs have maintained continuity and represent a cross-section of intergenerational programs throughout the state. Others will be featured in the next issue. Intergenerational Day CareCondell's Intergenerational Care in Libertyville characterizes similar programs that have become increasingly popular. They are win/win programs because they provide a satisfying experience for both young and old. At Condell residents help the preschool children with reading and the children bring their enthusiasm to the older folks through singing, storytelling, gardening, exercise, and simple activities. Jeanne Clark, 847-816-4585 A Perfect Combination: Foster Grandparents and Head StartFoster Grandparents help little ones all over Illinois. Shown here, they are working with math, but later they will review the alphabet, and do some reading. Early childhood students learn the 3 R's and, at the same time, the children make a powerful impact on the Foster Grandparents. One women who has been a foster grandparents for 8 years commented, "I don't know what I would do without these children. They give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning." Judy Ware, East St. Louis, 618-583-2500 Telephone Reassurance for KidsA program in Chicago has helped solve the children home-alone problem. Pictured here is Grandma Diana talking to an after school child in the Grandma Please program. Though she may be homebound, Grandma Diana is available to receive calls and give advice to children who call. She continues to contribute to her community by listening and visiting. Monica Glaser, 312-561-3500 HURRAHOne of the most common intergenerational programs in Illinois is tutoring, particularly with reading. A group of Naperville retired teachers decided they wanted to help in the schools and started the HURRAH (Happy Upbeat Recycled Retirees Actively Helping. They help out in fourteen elementary schools, 5 junior high, and 2 high schools. Mary Ann Bobowsky 847-420-6300. Love In A BagRSVP programs throughout the state promote creative intergenerational programs. For example, kindergarten students in Sullivan, Lovington, Bethany and the Head Start class are reaping the benefits of the Moultrie County Retired Senior Citizens at the beginning of each school year. The "love bags," are given to the students include a coloring book, an American flag eraser, a boy or girl bookmark, two candy kisses, eight HUG coupons, a Students Excited About Learning (SEAL) pencil and badge, a Say No to Drugs pencil, a pencil sharpener, a new 1995 penny for the year. Contact Mary Lou Kidwell, 217-728-4743 Page ThreeOlder Adults on CampusInvolving older adults in Illinois postsecondary campuses in most cases is not a tradition and certainly not a priority. But should it be? A study of older adults in public universities was conducted in cooperation with the Provosts of public universities. A second study targets community colleges and will be reported in the next Continuance. It is apparent that provosts and deans in public universities see needs that aren't being met and are beginning to envision a role for older adults in their departments and colleges. In the survey "Helping Roles for Older Adults in Postsecondary Education," 71 deans, provosts, and directors said, "Yes, I can see roles for older adults on our campus." Some even went so far as to say, "We would welcome older adults on our campus--students need responsible caring adults in their lives" "Older adults may provide guidance, a sense of belonging, opportunities for quality communication, and reflection. When asked how older adults could assist--it seemed as though the floodgates opened with many creative and innovative suggestions such as counseling, advising, tutoring, mentoring, guest lecturing, teaching, fundraising, public relations, and research. Tapping the skills of older adults for retention was a common theme with many variations. Some Deans saw greatest role with retention at the very beginning of the university educational experience, i.e., orientation and helping students to acclimate to the new environment. Others saw a role in problem solving; "Older adults provide a wealth of experience in dealing with several problems," others noted that "tapping the life skills and experiences of retirees can assist students to maintain their focus and commitment." One sensed enthusiasm for involving older adults, but also a realistic perspective that two critical questions: "How should it be organized?" and "Who should be responsible?" The survey identified perceptions of benefits, barriers, organization, and the most prominent challenges that face demand in 1996. For a complete report contact the Illinois Intergenerational Initiative, Mailcode 4341, SIU, Carbondale, Il 62901 or FAX 618-453-4295 Examples of intergenerational efforts are not as plentiful in postsecondary institutions as in elementary and secondary. The following two programs, one at Chicago State University and the other at Belleville Area College, demonstrate the potential helping roles for older adults in post-secondary education in Illinois. Community ResidentsCommunity Residents is a program that brings older residents to campus helping young people in myriad ways such as orientation, basic skills, mentoring, tutoring, and more. This Week It's a Line DanceDancing, arts festivals, and theatre are becoming increasingly popular intergenerational activities. The adjacent photo shows the Programs for Older Persons at Belleville Area College as they host students in a line dance. The emergence of intergenerational community activities will go a long way in fighting violence, crime, and the dysfunctional behavior so prominent in may American Communities. If young people are given responsibility to help prepare for community or school events, they don't have time for delinquency. Page FourIssues Across GenerationsA new addition to Continuance, Issues Across Generations, gives a view of current topics dominating education, aging, and children and families. First, Ross Hodel defines the change in governance for public postsecondary education. Betty Williams gives an overview of family and children's issues. Next, Mike O'Donnell describes what senior citizens see as important issues, and Jessica Billings summarizes some perceptions on public schools. Judy Leavitt gives a global view of intergenerational issues by describing grandparents raising grandchildren in the national section. By reading and understanding issues from other generations we can come to the authors of this column. Higher Education: Transition to New Governanceby Ross Hodel, Deputy Director, Illinois Board of Higher EducationIn March 1995, Governor Edgar signed legislation that reorganized the public university governance structure in Illinois. Public Act 89-0004 dissolved the Board of Regents and Board of Governors effective on January 1, 1996. New and separate governing boards were established for the following universities: Chicago State, Eastern, Governors State, Illinois State, Northeastern, Northern and Western. The legislation also provided that the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois assume governance responsibilities for Sangamon State University as the University of Illinois at Springfield. The reorganization of public universities was intended to provide governing boards that are more responsive to the interests of each individual institution and more accountable to parents and students. New boards of trustees were organized in January 19e reorganization of public universities was intended to provide governing boards that are more responsive to the interests of each individual institution and more accountable to parents and students. New boards of trustees were organized in January 1996 and a strong sense of commitment to make the new structure work exists among the new board members, presidents, and state policy makers. The Illinois Board of Higher Education continues in its coordinating role among institutions of higher education and has established new lines of communication under the new university governance structure will become increasingly important. New "career ladders" and new "educational ladders" need to be developed by all sectors of education working together with employers. With the increasingly diversity of the state's population, high priority must continue to be placed on assuring that all potential students have access to the opportunities provided by higher education and that artificial barriers to educational advancement are eliminated. Demanding Issues for Children and Familiesby Betty Williams, Senior Vice President, Metropolitan Family ServicesChildren and families are the subjects of thousands of recent articles, talk shows, political hearings and debates. Perhaps never before in the history of the United States have they so dominated the social and political scenes. Difficult economic times and increased violence in our communities threaten more and more families in all parts of the country. Virtually all concerned Americans are searching for answers to strengthen our families and to restore communities. Families are among society's most powerful forces. They shape individuals and build communities. They care for our elderly and disabled members. Children are our most precious resource; they are our tomorrow. All of us agree that we want to raise healthy, well adjusted children to become capable and productive citizens in the future. We want them to live in strong families and (next page) From Where I Sitby Judy Leavitt, Director, Generations UnitedNow more than ever, people of all ages must come together--to share their lives, their perspectives, their stories, and their resources. As public resources diminish, we must look to our communities to find answers to unmet needs, whether in health, education, day care, housing, or in our jobs. Sometimes solutions involve changing public policies regarding old and young. Sometimes the solutions are as simple as connecting the private and public sectors to share resources, such as businesses that can donate space for shared child and elder day care. The connections between public policy and intergenerational concerns are especially evident in the challenge of grandparents raising grandchildren. In the debate on welfare reform, the issue if grandparents who are raising grandchildren has been absent. Yet the numbers are increasing at an alarming rate: 3.4 million households are headed by grandparents--1.02 million where a grandparent assumes the role as primary caregiver for the children. These grandparent caregivers face legal and social problems. They may lack social and respite service, affordable housing, access to health care services and coverage. These problems are exacerbated by the demands of becoming a parent again, and the financial and emotional strain on the family. What can we do? Sometimes our most important help is to alert our policy makers at the national or state level so they will create policies that support grandparents raising grandchildren. Call 800-252-8966. Page FiveAging. . . . Aren't We All?by Mike O'Donnell, Director, East Central Illinois Area Agency on AgingAmericans are known for their fascination with youth and staying young. The Oil of Olay woman who says she'll fight aging every step of the way apparently hasn't read Gail Sheehy's book, New Passages. Sheehy's research indicates that the secret of successful aging is discovering those things that bring the most meaning to our lives. We don't have to consult the best seller list to know how people in Illinois feel about growing older. The East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging conducted 16 County Conferences on Aging to allow people of all ages to express what they want our of life during their "Third Age." The following is a sampling of their responses: Be better informed to help myself and others, Acquire new skills, Become more active in community activities, Remain active in public service, Become more involved in church activities, Continue delivering meals, Visit nursing home residents, Preserve the natural environments, Be willing to accept change and whatever comes gracefully, Stay independent and healthy, Have financial security, Develop a philosophy of taking care of myself and serving others, Still be able to make my own decisions, Grow old without worry or regrets, Make the most of every day, Live independently in my own home for as long as possible, Be able to care for myself, Keep a sense of humor, Have family nearby if I need help, Be able to cope with the loss of a loved one, Keep striving for as long as possible, Not be too proud to accept help if I need it, Die with dignity, and the financial and emotional strain on the family. The opinion expressed at the County Conferences on Aging helped Illinois delegates represent their constituents at the 1995 White House Conference on Aging held May 2-5, 1995 in Washington, D.C. The theme of the National conference was "America Now and Into the 21st Century--Generations Aging Together with Independence, Opportunity and Dignity." In preparation for the Conference, the East Central Illinois Area Agency held a regional forum on March 2, 1995 in Rantoul in cooperation with mental health planning agencies in the area. Jack Kelly, Professor of Leisure Studies at the University of Illinois spoke at the forum about the need to take a look at aging across the life span. He said, "Older people must be recognized by themselves and others as people of worth." Are Americans Supportive of Public Schools?by Jessica Billings, Director, Communications, Illinois Association of School BoardsA recent report from Public Agenda, "Assignment Incomplete: The Unfinished Business of Education Reform," says that after almost 15 years of school reform, reformers and the American public are on different wavelengths. Based on a survey of 1,200 Americans by telephone and 734 "decision makers" by mail, the report states that Americans say they support their local schools, but "this support disintegrates at the slightest probing." Moreover, the surveys indicate, people think the public schools aren't doing a good job teaching "the basics" and that private schools do a better job. "Assignment Incomplete" comes at a time of unprecedented school-bashing by the media, politicians, business, and numerous interest groups. While in the past, dialogue centered on improving the system, now numerous alternatives to the system are gaining attention: state takeovers of troubled schools, private management, charter schools, and vouchers in various forms. Still, "Most Americans are not ready to dismantle the public education system. People would like the public system to work, "says Public Agenda Executive Director Deborah Wadsworth, in an interview with California Schools magazine. Wadsworth says she believes there is still "a window of opportunity in which the schools can respond" and regain public confidence. Public Agenda plans to hold a series of meetings around the nation this year, to engage citizens in "a civil and thoughtful conversation about their expectations of public education." You can get a copy of "Assignment Incomplete" from Public Agenda, 212-686-6610. Page SixIntergenerational Activist HonoredGuadalupe Reyes, a woman who personifies perseverance, was given an award by Illinois Issues for extraordinary public service. Mrs. Reyes has worked for disabled children and adults and was a prime force in establishing El Valor, an educational and social service agency in Chicago. She has provided leadership for intergenerational efforts and has been a strong advocate at the state and national levels. The Intergenerational Movement Loses a HeroA man who wove stories of his children and grandchildren throughout his speeches an wrote about the benefits of intergenerational contact, Ernest L. Boyer, died of cancer. He was 67. Boyer served as U.S. Commissioner of Education in the Carter administration and long-time president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Perhaps his greatest legacy was his view of education as an intergenerational process and his publications on readiness, service, high schools, colleges, and the most recent on communities. In 1988 Dr. Boyer wrote a letter to the Illinois Intergenerational Initiative saying, "I feel strongly that education that cuts across the generations is crucial if we are going to avoid a fragmented society and weakening of the quality of our lives." Page SevenWorking Together through CoalitionsThe intergenerational movement in Illinois has seen a flurry of coalition building in statewide endeavors and at the local level. Individuals realize that they have common goals and must work together to survive in the climate of dwindling resources. Coalitions throughout the state are involved with working together, sharing resources and providing information and awareness about the potential of intergenerational programming. Some coalitions are dedicated to community issues and providing a forum for resource sharing. Others promote programming by bringing together youth and aging organizations. Still others act as support groups for individuals who are interested in intergenerational programming. Two of the seventeen intergenerational coalitions are discussed in this issue--the Coalition of Aging and Education, a statewide effort, and the Quincy Intergenerational Volunteer Network, a local partnership. The Spring issue of Continuance will highlight other coalitions. Quincy Youngster Sparks A CoalitionBy Carla Gosney, Director, Adams County RSVP, John Wood C.C. Last year a dozen people from as many agencies sat around a picnic table on the grounds of the Illinois Veteran's Home and talked about what the different generations in our community had in common and what they could do to enrich one another's lives. The people at that meeting were so enthused about the possibilities that they decided to meet again and to invite others to participate. That meeting gave birth to the Intergenerational Volunteer Network (IVN) whose mission is to develop an intergenerational infrastructure to solve problems, address needs, and enrich the lives of those in our community. By the third meeting we realized that we needed younger people to participate and to give their views of problems and possible solutions. We learned of a fifth grader at Baldwin School in Quincy who had begun a "Save the Earth Club." Kayt Norris wanted to start a club that would make a difference in the world and would set an example for kids and adults. She started the club when she was in the second grade and in 2 1/2 years it has grown to 30 members. The group meets every three weeks and has done projects such as cleaning up the parks and city streets, planting a large tulip garden at the school, and earning money for "Adopt a Whale." Kayt has become a valuable member of our intergenerational group and found ways to utilize the resources of the group. She has recruited volunteers from Adams County RSVP to help plant the tulips and members of the IVN group sold tee shirts to help pay for the bulbs. Despite her young age, Kayt quickly earned the respect of others in the group because of her bright ideas and willingness to work. She will continue to be an inspiration to the other members of the IVN as well and the Quincy community. Then and Now: The Coalition of Education and AgingTHEN: It all started when Bill Westberg, Illinois Director of AARP and Gretchen McDowell, IL PTA President, presented at a conference and casually mentioned that it would be good to get together and compare notes. A new president of PTA, Joan Cosgrove, was elected and with the encouragement from Carole Aston, AARP staff, and Gretchen McDowell, the first meeting happened. Over a cup of coffee... |