* This is TLRI *

Members of the Board

Frank Withrow - Chairman
Kerry Joels
Daniel Kunz
Amy Bordeaux

Total Learning Research Institute , Inc. (TLRI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit scientific and education organization dedicated to solving the problem of American and world literacy and competitiveness through the intelligent application of technology. TLRI takes a broad definition of literacy. Survival and progress in the next century will require more than simply the ability to read. The worker of the future will be required to use both fundamental and applied mathematics, to be conversant with basic methodology and content of science and engineering (problem solving) and to be able to understand and work with evolving technology. Workers will need an understanding of and appreciation for working in a "TEAMING " environment and for quality and competitiveness.

The four literacies: reading, mathematics, science and technology must be achieved in tandem and must be taught at all levels of education from elementary to adult. This requires new and creative curriculum and instructional approaches. The magnitude of the problem is exacerbated by the requirement to teach more people more things in more depth. The only way to meet this need is to harness technology and curriculum in the service of literacy and quality. A fifth literacy, Interpersonal Literacy, is the glue that binds the others together. TLRI uses the concept of TEAMING to include all of the future workplace skills needed by today's students and workers.

TLRI performs research, designs instructional delivery systems, creates educational programs and educational materials, and creates test-beds for new technology and curriculum. Satellite delivered curriculum, simulation-based experiential learning, basic skills needs assessment research, future workforce issues, science, mathematics and engineering education, quality and multi-national/multi-cultural literacy, and educational marketing are prime focus areas.

TLRI research areas and projects include:

Basic skills - an inventory of basics skills needed by the future workforce and an analysis of skill deficiencies among the existing workforce

* Contract to produce a total quality manual for high schools for the Junior Engineering and Technology Society (JETS) funded by AT&T.
* Research and programs on "TEAMING".

Educational Technology– Instructional design and delivery system development.

* Studies on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite delivered education - U.S. and international (particularly developing countries) use of a new class of low-cost satellites for education. Two research grants from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in cooperation with Texas A&M University Center for Space Power.
* Video, web-based, and multimedia design and production services.

Motivational and instructional programs for science and technology - research design and evaluation of novel programs to increase science and technology literacy and upgrade the quality of instruction in these areas.

* Curriculum developed for the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.
* Satellite based student Mars Mission simulations were developed for the West Virginia Space Grant Consortium.
* A multi-media CD-ROM computer program for the Clementine lunar exploration mission was created for the U.S. Air Force.
* Curriculum was developed for distribution via satellite distance learning for the Appalachian Research Commission.
* A pilot video SPACEQUEST education report was produced for an educational cable program producer.
* Pilot SPACE EXPLORERS TEAMING simulation projects are underway for formal and informal education at several test sites. Product rollout is in progress. The program uses space shuttle simulation as the TEAMING example.
* Studies have been complete for a live-in TEAMING environment with a future space theme.

Basic Research Program - for basic research in the four literacies and how to impart them individually and collectively.

* A study for the State of West Virginia on literacy resources.

Technology Transfer -research on the effectiveness and implementation of new educational technologies.

Marketing – consulting and advice to corporations, educational institutions, and educational developers on product definition, media selection, marketing, costing, design criteria, and promotion.

TLRI staff and research associates are among the most innovative and knowledgeable in the nation. They form the hub of a large network of expertise intent on solving the problem of multi-faceted, diverse workforce and student workplace illiteracy. TLRI brings together private and public funding sources to produce a synergy capable of making a considerable contribution to the quality and future success of the education enterprise.