The project grew out of interest expressed in native communities in the state. The booklist was field tested in native American communities in North Carolina and Alaska as well as Minnesota. The stories have been authenticated by Native American scholars. Particular origins of the stories include the Red Lake Nation of Minnesota as well as the Inuit in Alaska and the Cherokee and Lumbee in North Carolina. Thus it is no surprise that the leadership and staff of the organization have sought ways to help individuals preserve their own cultural heritage while making English more easily accessible.
Methodology includes the use of interviews, focus groups, materials development, and field testing.
Loren McGrail serves as Executive Director of Literacy South. Working in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Mississippi, Literacy South has provided staff development to approximately 500 literacy teachers in volunteer, community based and publicly funded programs. An outcome of the project is the publication Phenomenal Changes which documents the process. These activities are being led by Loren McGrail who has considerable experience in ESOL including co-authoring books and articles. The Inquiry Project is funded as a 353 Special Project by the North Carolina Community College System.