TASK:
Find out about workforce literacy in your program, e.g., has the focus
on workforce literacy represented a significant change in direction for
your program? How has your program responded to this initiative, e.g.,
is it incorporating more workforce-related materials into assessment and
teaching? Find out if your college is using TOWES. If so, how is your
program involved?
notes:
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Workforce Essential Skills Research Project (WESR)
This project, which started in the spring of 2003, responds to learners’ needs to move easily from LBS funded programs to the broader training and employment sectors. The project supports the Workforce/Workplace Literacy Strategy by consolidating information about the skills and the learning environments that support successful transitions. It also supports the Recognition of Adult Learning Strategy (RALS) by identifying relationships with training and employment sectors that are needed for articulation. LBS funded agencies will be asked to participate by providing feedback.
Ontario Works Mandatory Literacy Testing and Training Initiative
In the past three years, at least four regional network initiatives were undertaken to facilitate the referral of increased numbers of Ontario Works (OW) clients to LBS programs. OW has impacted on regions in different ways. These initiatives have helped forge agreements and partnerships between LBS organizations/agencies and OW. Other initiatives, completed and in progress, have attempted to study the impact of increased numbers of OW clients in the classroom itself. These various initiatives and projects have shed light on the challenges and pressures OW clients face as participants in LBS programs. They have also provided tools, strategies and training to assist assessors and practitioners in addressing their challenges, barriers and needs.