Adult Literacy

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:

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 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 adults who are unsure of the skill levels, Project READ provides an initial, routing assessment of their literacy and Essential Skills. This assessment, recognized by LBS agencies in our membership, provides a pathway for the adult to access upgrading and training.

For more information about literacy programs and networks in Ontario, please view our FAQs.