Family literacy benefits extend beyond children, their families and the workplace—society
also benefits from family literacy initiatives. As Thorn (2001) stated, as a
social issue, literacy covers all areas of a person’s life including activities
at home, at work and in the community. Padak and Rasinski (2003:4) reported
“parents persist in family literacy programs, and persistence leads to
literacy achievement, which in turn can influence broader economic and social
issues.”
For example, Stitcht (2001) said increased family literacy can
have positive outcomes for nutrition and health, school achievement, teen parenting,
employability, social involvement and home and community safety.
This research can provide a foundation for future research in two key areas. First, this study can guide future research in family literacy in the workplace. Research in this area is both critical and timely given the current labor market characterized by the need for qualified workers. For example, research can determine whether the labor shortage has had an impact on the literacy proficiency of the workforce by industry and occupation and if past literacy experiences have other effects such as causing workers’ difficulty succeeding or keeping their jobs.
Another workplace related study can build on the current research and fill
the gap of information about the literacy proficiency in Alberta’s workforce,
professional development activities and programs for literacy and education
in the workplace. This research would be important as the Conference Board of
Canada (2003:i) reported “most employers do not help their workers enhance
their literacy skills. Some employers do not understand the benefits involved.
Others lack knowledge of the many effective techniques for improving employee
literacy skills.”
There is little research on family literacy workplace programming. The need and willingness to implement programs and evaluations of the program outcomes is also required.