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This is exactly what Random North Development Association is hoping to accomplish when they complete the Literacy Research Model, Linking Adults with Limited Reading and Writing Skills to Training and then to Potential Employment Opportunities. Many fear the words change and taking a risk, but not Random North Development Association. The Development Association has taken on the catalyst role to support and encourage literacy development in Zone #15 (Chapel Arm to Bonavista). The National Study, Adult Literacy in Canada, states that individuals with poor literacy and numeracy skills tend to have significantly higher unemployment rates, lower levels of labour force attachment, and lower employment incomes. It is not enough to just acknowledge this, we have to come up with a solution to address this issue. The Literacy Research Model, when completed in April 1998, will be a tool that community based groups, training institutes, agencies, and local individuals can use to help in bridging the gap that now exists between social and economic development. Michelle Brown, Literacy Research Worker, has been working in the literacy field in Zone # 15 since 1992. Since then, Michelle has had the opportunity to meet with a variety of groups, organizations, agencies, and local individuals to discuss the importance of lifelong learning at the community and zonal level. This research document evolved from these discussions. A Literacy Research Advisory Group is working with Michelle to plan and develop this strategy. Members on the Advisory Group include representatives from the College of the North Atlantic, volunteer sector, students from an Adult Basic Education program, Department of Development and Renewal, Human Resources Client Centre, Keyin Technical College, School Board, and the Zonal Board. The Advisory Group is currently exploring how this model will look, including the content and format. Building strong links and partnerships, using a community based approach, is the foundation to making a program like this a success. Random North Development Association would like to test pilot this literacy research model when it is completed. They have already begun the process of meeting with different partners at the zonal and provincial levels. The Strategic Economic Long Term Plan for Zone #15 identifies literacy as a key component under social issues. The Association is researching growth economic sectors in the zone's plan and is hoping to meet the Zonal Board in the future to discuss doing a pilot project that would test this research model and link it to training and viable employment in the zone. When this model has been completed and tested, recommendations will be made on how other zones in Newfoundland and Labrador can use this approach to address community needs. If you would like further information or would like to add your thoughts and ideas to this research work, please contact Random North Development Association at (709) 466-2848 or Michelle Brown at (709) 466-1725 (e-mail: literacy@telework.nf.ca). Building confidence in one's abilities and boosting self-esteem at the local level is critical. If we want to accomplish our goals and involve everyone in the learning process, then we have to share information and support each other.
In this age of advanced technology, we can no longer avoid being part of a national and world society. We must be aware of the latest professional information. We must be aware of policy and of funding opportunities. We must realize that literacy providers across the country face similar challenges and have developed ways of dealing with them from which we can benefit. The Canadian Association of Literacy Educators (CALE) is a national organization for all those interested in promoting higher literacy standards—from kindergarten to high school teachers, adult literacy providers, librarians, administrators, policy makers, and program developers. CALE is on-line and offers a number of services. Canada Interact is a discussion forum whereby you can share, question, or discuss issues with all Canadians. Plan and Problems Forum provides an avenue for you to seek information on implementing projects. The Canadian Journal of Literacy Educators (CJLE) provides an avenue for you to submit a professional article, a write-up of a project you are working on, a set of materials you devised or have found successful, or your opinion on some literacy matter. To join CALE, follow these steps: 1. In the address section type: list@nald.ca |
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