The NLS vision of literacy practice

The NLS created a space for a dynamic approach to learning—one that recognizes that the development of literacy skills can happen in varied, and equally valuable, ways. In this context, the workplace becomes a logical venue to explore, and employer and labour groups are invited to rise to the challenge and join others in the literacy field. They are encouraged to work in partnership and to experiment to develop innovative practices to provide learning opportunities in the workplace.

The strength of the NLS partnership model rests not only on the recognition that many groups can contribute to the creation of learning opportunities for adults but, more importantly, that these groups must be able to contribute, and contribute equally. This is evident in the level of support—beyond simply funding—provided by the NLS in the foundation building, as well as the development and demonstration periods of the Program. A comprehensive evaluation commissioned by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) concludes that the NLS “was a significant influence on CUPE’s involvement in literacy” and that NLS staff “brought not only funding to the table but union sensitivity and a rich background with workplace literacy programs.” The evaluation also points to partnership work as the key strategy leading to the success of CUPE’s literacy program and credits the NLS with promoting and supporting this strategy. (Burke, 2006)

The NLS partnership model also recognizes that different partners have different motivations for a literacy program. Unions, employers, practitioners, and learners may all well agree that a literacy program would be beneficial, but the goals and expected outcomes may be quite different and even at odds. Rather than shy away from the politics of workplace literacy, the partnership model values the differences and creates venues to discuss them and ultimately come to the shared vision and common ground needed to build an effective partnership. The findings show that this approach has led to successful partnerships and in turn fostered innovation in the field of workplace literacy practice.