Download a Special Report on the State of Literacy and Basic Skills Programs in Western Ontario in the Recession – January 2010
Literacy means more than knowing how to read, write or calculate.
It involves understanding and being able to use the information
required in today's society. Literacy is not a fixed skill.
It needs to be exercised or it will likely deteriorate. Use
it or lose it!
Many people with low literacy skills have some reading, writing
and math skills, but they may lack the skills needed to cope
with the demands of our rapidly changing society and economy.
Most adults with low literacy skills have English as a first
language. Low literacy affects many aspects of life including
health, income, employment, parenting, further training and
daily living.
Ways to tell when literacy is a problem:
- Reluctance to read in front of people
- Small or illegible handwriting or asking someone else
to fill out forms
- Reluctance or refusal to help children with school work
- Higher dependence on TV or radio for information
- Frequently being late for or missing appointments
- Restless, distracted or even frustrated when information
from printed materials is discussed
- Lack of printed material in the home
- Limited or interrupted school attendance in childhood
- Children doing poorly in school (low literacy can be intergenerational)
- Less than grade 12 education
- Received education in the "special ed", "life
skills" or "basic" program in high school
LBS agencies in Ontario provide 5 key services to every
adult student:
- Information and referral - Ensuring an adult is in the most
appropriate program for their needs.
- Assessment - Identification of an individual's knowledge,
skills and challenges
- Training Plan - Preparation of an adult's learning pathway
to meet his/her goals - short and long term
- Training - Instruction to support skill building
- Evaluation and Follow-up - Evaluation of learning progress
at exit from the program and 3 and 6 month follow-up contacts
In Ontario, literacy and basic skills are delivered within
a 5 Level-5 Domain matrix. This matrix or framework outlines
the outcomes for learning in the five skill areas or domains:
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Communications - Speaking and Listening
- Self-direction and self-management (problem solving and
organization)
An individual student follows his/her own expedient pathway
to their long term goal rather than completing all outcomes
in each level one-by-one. This customized training allows an
adult to focus on critical skills development to meet more immediate
goals.
For example: A student with Level 1 reading enters a literacy
program and wishes to upgrade to get a better job at the large
retail store where she works. The better job involves using
computerized cash and inventory systems as well as writing reports
and reading stock sheets. Her literacy training will focus on
increasing her literacy and basic skills to support her job
goal.
For more information about literacy programs and networks in Ontario, please view our FAQs.
