National Adult Literacy Database

This report describes a demonstration classroom operated by Literacy BC and the Surrey school district, targeting at-risk youth who had significant literacy challenges. Literacy development, academic subjects, social and emotional development, art, and technology were combined in a two-year program designed to help students upgrade a wide range of skills and reintegrate into the school system.

The first part of the report provides an overview of the research project and focuses on promising practices identified by staff and researchers while the second part describes the research methodology; discusses findings; and presents lessons learned.

Overall, the program was remarkably successful, the authors say. Most of the students became active readers, stayed in school, developed essential academic and behavioural skills, and moved back into conventional or alternative high school programs.