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Literacy: Spanning the U.S.     

Literacy Delaware

In Delaware, 1 in 6 adults struggles to read

Delaware Online: 11.06.2017 by Jessica Bies

Exacerbating the fact that half of Delaware's third-graders struggle to read is another startling statistic: Nearly 1 in 6 adults are considered "functionally illiterate."

More than 36 million adults in the United States cannot read, write or do math at more than a third-grade level, according to the international nonprofit ProLiteracy.

About 11 percent of Delaware's adults lack basic literacy skills, according to a 2003 survey, the last to break the data down state-by-state. Though the data is outdated, Cindy Shermeyer, executive director of Literacy Delaware, said the First State likely mirrors the national rate, which is currently about 14 percent.

"This country has a hidden crisis of adults who can't read or do math," Shermeyer said, adding that adult literacy rates have a huge impact on third-grade reading proficiency.

"Research shows that a mother's literacy level is the best determinant of her child's literacy level and academic success," she said. "If we're really serious about improving our schools and the literacy of our children, then I think we need to seriously address what's happening with their parents and with low literacy in adults."  WATCH VIDEO

Delaware Co
Literacy Council

Honorees share the power of literacy at fifth annual DCLC gala

Delco Times: 11.04.2017

“I no longer sell the products killing our society … I am a working, productive citizen who wakes up every day to make my world a better place.”

Those were the words of Kevin Morgan as he accepted his Champion of Adult Literacy award from the Delaware County Literacy Council recently.

Morgan shared his dramatic story of transformation at the fifth annual Champions of Adult Literacy Fundraiser held by the Literacy Council Oct. 25 at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack.

Morgan described his “toxic lifestyle” of selling drugs, which led to a felony conviction and time in prison.

“Can you imagine how this story ends?” he asked those attending the event. But the story took a new direction as Morgan made the brave choice to turn his life around. “My role models shifted from street thugs to men who were leaders through positive actions,” he said.

Morgan studied for and earned his GED with the help of DCLC, which further changed his life: “Education helped me move and think differently about life decisions I once made.”  READ MORE >>

Coffee Co 

Literacy Council

26 inmates receive HiSet diplomas

Tullahoma News: 11.05.2017 by Elena Cawley

Since the adult education program was launched at Coffee County Jail in September 2016, 26 inmates have earned diplomas through HiSET (High School Equivalency Test), according to Linda Maddox, lead instructor of the adult education program for Coffee and Bedford counties.

Maddox also serves as the women’s instructor for the jail program.

Currently, there are two classes for male inmates and two classes for female inmates, with each class consisting of 10 students.

“Because of security concerns, our limit for class is 10 students,” Maddox said.

The first class of women took their tests in January, with three women earning diplomas.

“Since then, we have had 26 graduates, both females and males,” Maddox said. “Now, we have about 40 inmates participating in the program.”

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The program is offered through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which covers expenses for instructors’ salaries.

The Coffee County Literacy Council also provides funds raised through sales at the Bookshelf in Northgate Mall.  READ MORE >>