Did you know that this is National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week? From September 12-18, literacy supporters have been finding ways to advocate for adult literacy.
The National Coalition for Literacy (NCL) explains the genesis: "Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced a House resolution (H. Res. 385) for the third year in a row, designating the week of September 12th as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2011."
Literacy and English language proficiency influence every aspect of an individual's life. According to NCL, of the 93 million people who could benefit from adult education programs and services, only 2.5 million do. There are long waiting lists to get into these programs.
In New York, the enrollment statistic for adult basic education (ABE) programs is 51,463, and for English as a second language (ESL) programs, 72,723, according to the Office of Vocational and Adult Education's National Reporting System's 2007-2008 Program Fact Sheet. Funding for more adult education programs is needed.
In addition, 80 percent of adult education teachers are part-time employees. This is primarily because students have responsibilities (work, family, community) that consume most of their time. Thus, they can only commit a few hours to learning.
Nevertheless, for two or ten hours this week, and every week, ABE/ESL volunteer tutors and staff teachers help adult students improve their literacy level and eventually achieve their personal goals.
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