The post Literacy and Numeracy Skills of U.S. Adults appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>The Survey, conducted in 2012 and 2017, offers a comprehensive assessment of adults’ skills and their application in various contexts, such as home, work, and the wider community. Managed by the National Center for Education Statistics, the data collected sheds light on the proficiency levels of U.S. adults in literacy and numeracy.
Literacy Levels: According to the Survey, literacy proficiency is categorized into six levels, ranging from Below Level 1 to Level 5. In 2017, approximately 19 percent of U.S. adults scored at Level 1 or Below Level 1, indicating basic reading abilities, while 33 percent scored at Level 2, demonstrating the capacity to read paragraph-length texts and make straightforward inferences.
Disparities in literacy proficiency are evident when considering additional factors such as race/ethnicity, nativity, and self-reported health status. For instance, Black and Hispanic respondents were more likely to score at Level 1 or below compared to White respondents. Similarly, individuals born outside the United States exhibited lower literacy proficiency levels than those born within the country.
Numeracy Levels: Numeracy proficiency, also assessed on a six-level scale, reveals similar trends. In 2017, approximately 29 percent of U.S. adults scored at Level 1 or Below Level 1 in numeracy, indicating basic numerical skills, while 33 percent scored at Level 2, demonstrating the ability to comprehend and apply numerical information in various contexts.
Understanding the literacy and numeracy levels of adults is crucial for addressing educational disparities and promoting equitable access to learning opportunities. By identifying areas of need and implementing targeted interventions, policymakers and educators can work towards improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for all adults.
Explore the Skills Map for state and county-level data on adult literacy, and delve into comparative data to gain further insights into the literacy and numeracy landscape in the United States. Together, we can strive to enhance adult education initiatives and empower individuals to unlock their full potential through improved literacy and numeracy skills.
The post Literacy and Numeracy Skills of U.S. Adults appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>The post About Adult Literacy appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>Key Terms and Definitions: We offer clear definitions and explanations of essential terms related to adult literacy, ensuring clarity and understanding for all stakeholders involved.
Literacy and Numeracy Skills of U.S. Adults: Explore data and insights on the literacy and numeracy levels of adults across the United States. Our comprehensive resources draw from reputable sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics and the American Community Survey, providing valuable insights into the current state of adult education in the country.
Adult Education in the United States: Learn about the landscape of adult education in the United States, including programs, initiatives, and policies aimed at promoting literacy and numeracy skills among adults. Discover opportunities for adult learners to enhance their skills and access educational resources.
Return on Investment: Understand the significant impact of adult literacy on economic development, social progress, and environmental sustainability. We highlight the tangible benefits of investing in adult education and literacy programs, showcasing the transformative power of literacy on individuals and communities.
Locator for Adult Education and Family Literacy Programs: Access a comprehensive locator tool to find adult education and family literacy programs in your area. Whether you’re an adult learner seeking educational opportunities or a volunteer tutor looking to make a difference, our locator tool connects you with relevant resources and support networks.
Maps and Data Sources: Explore interactive maps and data sources that provide insights into adult literacy levels, educational attainment, and the literacy gap across states and counties in the United States. Our curated collection of maps and data visualizations offers valuable information for researchers, policymakers, and educators.
Quotes on Literacy: Gain inspiration from influential figures who recognize the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right and a catalyst for positive change. Quotes from leaders such as Kofi Annan and President Bill Clinton underscore the significance of literacy in advancing sustainable development and social justice.
At our resource hub, we are committed to promoting adult literacy as a fundamental right and a powerful tool for personal and societal transformation. Join us in our mission to empower individuals and communities through literacy, driving positive change and fostering a brighter future for all.
The post About Adult Literacy appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>The post Adult Foundational Education appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>Adult Education: While clear to professionals in the field, this term can be misconstrued by those outside it, who may associate it with higher education or non-credit courses for personal development. Adult Literacy: This term varies in meaning, sometimes referring to basic reading and writing skills, and other times encompassing a broader spectrum of adult education services. Adult Education and Family Literacy: Used in federal legislation like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), this term may not fully convey the range of services offered, particularly for immigrants and refugees. Adult Basic Education: This term, with its dual meanings ranging from basic literacy to comprehensive education services, adds further confusion to the mix.
The lack of a clear and consistent name for the field hampers advocacy efforts and understanding among stakeholders. To address this issue, members of the Open Door Collective (ODC) embarked on a mission in 2021 to find a new name and definition that would accurately represent the field’s breadth and significance.
The chosen name, initially proposed as Adult Foundational Skills, was later refined to Adult Foundational Education (AFE) based on feedback from the LINCS Community’s Teaching and Learning Group and the AAACE-NLA Google group. This change reflects a more comprehensive view of education beyond mere skills acquisition.
Adult Foundational Education serves as an umbrella term that distinguishes the field from other forms of education, acknowledges the range of learning needed for postsecondary education and training, and respects adult learners by avoiding potentially demeaning connotations. Moreover, it allows for the inclusion of emerging areas like digital literacy and integrated education and training (IET) without excluding any providers or approaches within the field.
By embracing Adult Foundational Education, the field aims to promote a holistic and problem-solving approach to education that empowers adult learners to build a strong foundation for lifelong success.
The post Adult Foundational Education appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>The post Access and Inclusion: Adult Education and Literacy Priorities for 2021 and Beyond appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>While postsecondary credentialing remains a vital component of the education landscape, it’s imperative to ensure inclusivity by addressing the needs of adults who may not yet be ready for such pursuits. Adult basic education, encompassing literacy, numeracy, English language acquisition, and digital skills, is essential for providing foundational support to individuals aged 16 and above. Alarmingly, a significant portion of the adult population lacks fundamental literacy and numeracy skills, with communities of color bearing a disproportionate burden.
To realize the vision of an inclusive education system, several key recommendations are proposed:
Integration of Adult Basic Education: A cohesive, lifelong formal education and training system must be established, spanning childhood through adulthood. This integrated framework aims to dismantle the entrenched disparities in education outcomes linked to race/ethnicity, language proficiency, and socioeconomic status. By offering clear pathways and benchmarks for skill development, such a system ensures equitable access to quality employment and community engagement opportunities. National Infrastructure Projects: National initiatives focused on digital inclusion and community infrastructure are essential to empower adults in accessing education and career development opportunities. Bridging the digital divide through expanded broadband access and digital skills training is crucial, particularly in underserved communities. Similarly, investments in transportation, housing, childcare, and healthcare infrastructure bolster participation in adult education and enhance community resilience. Reorientation of Accountability Measures: A shift towards competency-based accountability in adult basic education is advocated, moving away from a narrow focus on standardized test scores. This approach recognizes and celebrates diverse learning objectives beyond traditional academic milestones, encompassing holistic outcomes such as health literacy, parental engagement, and civic participation. By embracing a multifaceted assessment framework, adult education programs can better support learner success and societal advancement.
In conclusion, the National Coalition for Literacy and the Open Door Collective underscore the importance of these recommendations in advancing educational equity under the new administration. Collaborative efforts between advocacy groups and government agencies are essential to realize the vision of an inclusive recovery, where education serves as a catalyst for social transformation.
The post Access and Inclusion: Adult Education and Literacy Priorities for 2021 and Beyond appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>The post Update: WIOA Reauthorization in the House appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>Here are some key points to note regarding the upcoming markup session:
Watch the Markup Session: The markup session will be available for viewing via a provided link. Access the Draft Legislation: The draft legislation, titled H.R. 7309, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022, can be downloaded and reviewed for further insight.
Additionally, the committee has released a section-by-section summary of the legislation, highlighting notable changes and provisions:
Definitions Update (Section 101): Notable changes include replacing “basic skills deficient” with “has foundational skill needs,” a shift advocated for by the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL). However, definitions for “concurrent enrollment” and “digital literacy skills” are absent, despite advocacy efforts by NCL. Enhancements to Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Sections 301 and following): Amendments include the addition of “digital literacy activities” and “digital skills” to the definitions for adult education and literacy activities, as well as increased authorization levels for funding. Notably, a demonstration program for developing new performance measures is introduced, aiming to better capture the effectiveness of adult education and literacy programs.
The proposed authorization levels reflect a positive trend, signaling potential increases in funding for adult education and literacy programs. While the legislation may undergo further changes during the markup process, the advocacy efforts of organizations like NCL have been instrumental in shaping these developments.
The ongoing commitment and dedication of advocates have played a crucial role in ensuring that federal law aligns more closely with the needs of the adult education field. As the legislative process progresses, continued engagement and advocacy will be essential in realizing meaningful changes for the benefit of adult learners and educators alike.
The post Update: WIOA Reauthorization in the House appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>The post Census 2020: Current Response Rates and the Risk of an Undercount appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>However, amidst these positive trends, there are concerning disparities evident in the data. A comparative analysis reveals that Census tracts with lower self-response rates tend to harbor higher concentrations of hard-to-count populations, including minorities, non-native English speakers, individuals living below the poverty line, and those lacking household internet access. These disparities highlight the risk of an undercount for these vulnerable communities, which could have far-reaching implications.
The majority of households, comprising 95.45 percent, have received either Internet First or Internet Choice mailings as part of the Census outreach efforts. While the Internet First strategy encourages online responses, the Internet Choice approach provides households with a paper questionnaire, particularly in areas less likely to respond online. Notably, tracts designated for Spanish assistance receive bilingual mailings.
Despite these efforts, response rates for Internet Choice tracts lag behind those for Internet First tracts. This discrepancy underscores the importance of targeted outreach and support for communities facing barriers to online participation. Moreover, the upcoming Non-Response Follow-Up Operation (NRFU) will play a crucial role in reaching households that have not yet responded, with enumerators conducting in-person visits to gather Census data.
The COVID-19 pandemic adds another layer of complexity to the NRFU operation, necessitating adjustments to ensure the safety of both enumerators and respondents. Given these challenges, maximizing self-response remains paramount in achieving an accurate Census count.
The populations at risk of undercounting in the Census coincide significantly with those engaged in or benefiting from adult education programs. These individuals stand to gain equitable access to federal funding for education, infrastructure, public assistance, and healthcare services based on Census data. Therefore, it is imperative for adult education practitioners to leverage their trusted positions within communities to promote Census participation among their learners.
By actively engaging with adult learners across all Census tracts, practitioners can help ensure that every individual is counted, thus securing vital resources for their communities. Through collaborative efforts and targeted outreach, the adult education sector can play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of an undercount and advocating for equitable resource allocation based on accurate Census data.
The post Census 2020: Current Response Rates and the Risk of an Undercount appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>The post Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2017 appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>At its core, Adult Education and Family Literacy Week seeks to mobilize advocates nationwide to champion the cause of adult education and family literacy. By harnessing the collective voice of advocates, this event aims to garner support and resources essential for expanding access to educational opportunities for individuals and families facing literacy challenges.
Throughout this week-long commemoration, advocates, educators, policymakers, and community leaders join forces to elevate the conversation around adult education and family literacy. By engaging with policymakers, the media, and local communities, advocates work tirelessly to raise awareness about the transformative impact of literacy initiatives on individuals, families, and society as a whole.
From organizing advocacy campaigns to hosting community events and engaging in media outreach, advocates leverage Adult Education and Family Literacy Week as a strategic opportunity to drive meaningful change. By shedding light on the barriers faced by adults with low literacy skills and emphasizing the value of literacy programs, advocates strive to galvanize support for policies and initiatives that promote access to quality education for all.
Moreover, Adult Education and Family Literacy Week serves as a catalyst for collaboration and partnership-building among stakeholders in the education sector. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, this event fosters a spirit of unity and collective action, paving the way for innovative solutions and initiatives aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges of adult education and family literacy.
As the nation comes together to recognize Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, the overarching goal remains clear: to empower individuals and families with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Through advocacy, awareness-raising, and collaborative efforts, Adult Education and Family Literacy Week seeks to unlock the transformative power of education and literacy, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
The post Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2017 appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>The post What’s happening during AEFL Week 2016: Part Two appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>Additionally, Brenda Boggs, the Literacy Program Director of the Southwestern Illinois College’s Adult Education and Literacy department, is calling for volunteer tutors through Project Read. By recruiting individuals willing to commit to tutoring adult students, SWIC aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of adults and families in the Granite City and East St. Louis regions. Volunteer tutors receive training and support to effectively engage with adult learners, contributing to community empowerment and educational advancement.
As AEFL Week unfolds, these initiatives underscore the importance of collective action and advocacy in advancing adult education and literacy, ultimately paving the way for a more equitable and empowered society.
The post What’s happening during AEFL Week 2016: Part Two appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.
]]>