Literacy – Spanning the US :: Nevada Co CA :: Tacoma WA :: Taos NM

Understanding the importance of adult literacy in Nevada County

Sierra Sun: 11.23.2016 by Alan Archer,

Director Read Up Learning Center, Nevada County Library

In 1986, the United States Congress designated September as Adult Literacy Awareness Month. They requested that then President Ronald Reagan issue a proclamation, which he did on August 27, 1986.

September continues to be recognized by literacy programs nationwide as Adult Literacy Awareness Month. California State Library had begun sponsoring library-based adult literacy programs throughout California in 1984, and now provides support to over 100 such programs.

Parental role in helping children learn to read

The National Research Council’s (NRC) report of the Committee on the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children found that children of parents with low literacy skills are likely to enter school with neither the language and pre-reading skills needed to succeed at literacy acquisition, nor the motivation to practice reading.

1. Parents who value reading and read because they enjoy it have children who are motivated to learn, and use reading skills, while parents who do not read, or find reading challenging, have children who view reading as a school experience unrelated to their life outside of school.

2. Parents who frequently ask their children questions and respond to the questions their children ask, provide a print-rich environment and read to their children, demonstrate reading’s ability to solve problems, interact with their children around reading activities, make reading an enjoyable experience, are helping their children develop strong oral language skills and prepare for learning how to read in school.

If you know an adult who could benefit from improved literacy skills, the speaking, reading and writing of English, you have the opportunity to make a tremendous contribution to their life, and their children’s lives, by encouraging them to enroll in the free adult literacy program at the Truckee Library.  READ MORE @

Tacoma Literacy

Changing Lives For Half a Century at the Tacoma Area Literacy Council

SouthSound Talk: 11.30.2016 by Daniel Beers

The story of the Tacoma Area Literacy Council (TALC) began in 1967. Two Tacoma women attended a class by Dr. Frank Laubach, the literacy expert famous for the “Each One Teach One” method, and became so inspired by Laubach’s international success that they established the Tacoma Area Literary Council in early 1968.

Since then, TALC has been operating as an all-volunteer, privately supported, adult literacy organization. A member of the ProLiteracy Education Network, TALC is on the cusp of celebrating their 50th anniversary, and is launching their new slogan, “Literacy is Golden,” to further their mission of increasing adult literacy and creating even more awareness of their life-changing program.

The “Each One Teach One” method is just as simple as it sounds. After completing a Training Workshop, each volunteer tutor is matched with an adult learner. Each pair sets their own schedules and locations. Ruth Anderson, TALC tutor and former chairman, says, “Each One Teach One simply requires a knowledge of our language, a love of reading, and the willingness to donate two to four hours a week sharing your ability with another adult.”  READ MORE @

TECC

Taos adult education center rebrands with new vision

Taos News: 12.01.2016 by Cody Hooks

Every year, about 200 adults take classes in a few rooms in the back of an old adobe building on Civic Plaza Drive. Some are looking to get the equivalent of a high school diploma, while others want to learn English or just learn how to read and write in a way they never had before.

The Taos Education and Career Center (TECC), previously known as the Adult Learning Center, is formally changing its name and ushering in a new vision of collaboration in a ceremony Dec. 1.

Nina Gonzales, program specialist with TECC, told The Taos News part of the reason for the name change was perennial confusion about what to actually call the center, as it has had several names both formally and in the local lexicon.

“People could never really get our name right, even our own students,” Gonzales said.

But the rebranding is more than a name change.

“The national legislation over adult learning is undergoing the biggest changes since its inception,” Gonzales said, adding that professionalism and clear roads to careers are among the most profound transitions.

The three pillars of adult learning used to be basic literacy skills, high school equivalency (alternatives to a traditional diploma) and learning English as a second language.

But more and more, Gonzales said, leaders in the workforce are looking for “soft skills,” — things like interviewing well, showing up to work on time, communicating with ones boss and working effectively with coworkers.  READ MORE @