National Adult Literacy Database

Authors: Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick (LCNB)

Collection: Learning Materials

This document contains the stories of 10 adult learners whose efforts have been recognized by the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick (LCNB). All tell their stories in their own words.

The learners come from a variety of backgrounds. One is a recent immigrant, some are Aboriginal people, and one has spent time in jail. Many of them dropped out of school before graduating, and returned to the classroom to earn a General Education Development (GED) diploma.

Their goals included finding a job, setting a good example for their children and grandchildren, and being able to function better in a new language and culture.

Five of the writers are recipients of Sheree Fitch Adult Learner Scholarship Awards, initiated by the LCNB in recognition of the well-known writer and literacy advocate, who serves as the coalition’s honorary patron.

Three are winners of the Adult Learners’ Week in Canada Writing Contest, open to adult learners currently attending an adult learning program in New Brunswick, and two are recipients of Adult Learner Achievement Awards, which are presented to outstanding Adult Basic Education (ABE) learners as part of the annual Peter Gzowski Invitational (PGI) Golf Tournament for Literacy.

Added: 2013-05-10

View complete record details...

Yearbook - Graduation 2003-2004

Authors: East End Literacy

Collection: Learning Materials

Believing in Achieving is a collection of stories of success; this book celebrates and recognizes the hard work of all the individuals who participated in and completed programs at East End Literacy in 2003/2004.

Added: 2004-07-21

View complete record details...

Authors: Alberta Vocational College, Calgary, Alberta

Collection: Learning Materials

This document contains profiles of 16 adults who successfully completed programs in the Basic Education Alternative Delivery (BEAD) Department of the Calgary branch of Alberta Vocational College, now called Bow Valley College.

The students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and their achievements range from simply learning to read to going on to further education and employment. Most spent between six and 12 months at a BEAD centre before transferring to other programs.

The document includes an update on what the students were doing two years after completing their BEAD program.

The authors note that while this was not designed as a research document, common patterns concerning successful adult learning emerged from the profiles.

Program characteristics that encouraged success include individualized programs; caring, competent teachers; flexible program times and curriculum; support from other students; and proximity of learning centres to students' homes. Individual behaviours associated with success include establishing goals; attending regularly; completing extra work outside class; remaining positive; and persisting in the face of obstacles.

Added: 1992-01-01

View complete record details...

Authors: NWT Literacy Coalition

Collection: Research Materials

In 2001, the NWT Literacy Council initiated Tools for Community Building, a three-day workshop designed to help communities develop, deliver and manage their own literacy programs. Since then, the workshop has been presented in a dozen communities.

This presentation outlines the agenda for the workshop, which begins with a discussion of literacy and family literacy. From there, participants learn about program planning and proposal writing.

The authors attribute the success of the initiative to the fact that it is community driven, with projects developed and delivered by local people. The literacy council also offers participants additional training and access to ongoing support.

Added: 2011-11-04

View complete record details...

Series: Essential Skills Videos - HRSDC

Authors: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Collection: Learning Materials

In this brief video, a woman describes how after years of working at three jobs to support her family, she improved her literacy skills and realized her dream of opening her own business.

She took part in a literacy skills upgrading program, funded by Human Resources and Social Development Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills and delivered by the PEI Literacy Alliance. The day before her 50th birthday, she received her Grade 12 certificate.

Now, she owns a licensed community care facility that employs 14 people in Prince Edward Island.

Added: 2012-12-18

View complete record details...

See also:

• Une entrepreneure couronnée de succès [Vidéo - 1:31]

Part of the Learner Skill Attainment Framework Initiative

Authors: College Sector Committee for Adult Upgrading (CSC)

Collection: Research Materials

This document reports the results of a survey of faculty from Ontario colleges in which the participants have been asked to identify core skills and key tasks associated with students' successful transition to postsecondary and apprenticeship programs. This survey was conducted as part of the Learner Skill Attainment Framework Initiative, a project that has been undertaken by Ontario's College Sector Committee for Adult Upgrading (CSC) to develop a framework for measuring learner skill attainment in three key areas: reading text, document use and numeracy.

This report includes the following sections:
- an overview of the Learner Skill Attainment Framework project and a discussion of the concept of "transition paths;"
- survey methodology, participation and results;
- conclusion;
- recommendations.

Added: 2007-10-29

View complete record details...

Series: Fact Sheets - Edmonton Social Planning Council

Authors: Edmonton Social Planning Council

Collection: Research Materials

This fact sheet brings together information from a variety of sources to provide a snapshot of literacy in Canada generally and in Alberta in particular.

The authors note that while Alberta teenagers tend to score better on tests of literacy skills than their counterparts in other parts of Canada, such skills can only be retained in adulthood if they are used regularly in the home, workplace and community.

Literacy is a predictor of economic success, the authors point out. However, the benefits of higher literacy rates are more than simply economic, with studies linking higher literacy rates to better physical and mental health.

For more information, please click here: http://www.edmontonsocialplanning.ca/

Added: 2012-11-02

View complete record details...

Series: Factors Affecting Success in Community Based Literacy Programs

Authors: Joseph E. Casey, Christine Purcell, Tammy Whitlock

Collection: Research Materials

This is an executive summary of a report on a project aimed at better understanding the factors that affect success in community-based literacy programs in Ontario. While an individual’s characteristics or life circumstances might affect his or her success in a literacy program, the type of training approach must also be considered. This project therefore focuses on answering the question: "What works for whom?" In order to answer this question, researchers developed surveys to gather relevant information and analyzed the results in order to define the indicators of success, both objective and subjective. This executive summary provides background information on the project, describes the study and its results, and offers recommendations.

Added: 2008-03-19

View complete record details...

Series: Factors Affecting Success in Community Based Literacy Programs

Authors: Joseph E. Casey, Christine Purcell, Tammy Whitlock

Collection: Research Materials

This report presents the findings of a collaborative research project aimed at better understanding the factors that affect success in community-based literacy programs in Ontario. While an individual’s characteristics or life circumstances might affect his or her success in a literacy program, the type of training approach must also be considered. This project therefore focuses on answering the question: "What works for whom?" In order to answer this question, researchers developed surveys to gather relevant information and analyzed the results in order to define the indicators of success, both objective and subjective. Twenty-two Ontario community-based literacy and basic skills agencies participated in this study.

Added: 2008-03-19

View complete record details...

Authors: Dr. John Benseman, Robert Tobias

Collection: Research Materials

This study has sought to map the impacts that two adult literacy programmes in New Zealand have had on their participants. In recognition of the fact that change achieved by education does not always happen immediately, the study has focussed on the experiences of students who have been out of the programme for some time. Its value lies in its demonstration of the diversity of impacts over the longer term.

Added: 2006-05-30

View complete record details...