In the absence of a Pan-Canadian literacy strategy and, consequently, of anything resembling a system for adult education, the NLS Business and Labour Partnership Program has been a “system enabler.” The NLS approach to partnership development has provided a framework for the development and delivery of literacy programs in the workplace. This framework is at risk as the focus of the program shifts further and further away from social development objectives.
Perhaps one of the lead contributions of the NLS as a system enabler has been the focus on literacy practitioner training and development. Unlike colleagues in other fields of education such as school teachers, college instructors and university professors, literacy practitioners did not generally enjoy recognition as professionals. Aside from lending credibility to workplace-based programs, practitioner training helps to position literacy learning as a legitimate education goal for adults. While there is still room for volunteers, such as peer tutors, they too take part in a training program.
In essence, the NLS approach to partnership has enabled the development of the field of workplace literacy such as we know it today. And this development is comprehensive; it involves promotion and awareness, coordination and information sharing, professional development, research, sharing of best practice models…and in turn the development of further partnerships.
This case study points to the strategic importance of multi-sector partnerships, for example with business, non-governmental organizations and labour unions in the design and implementation of government policy. Federal involvement in the NLS Business and Labour Partnership Program was based on a commitment to enhancing literacy to improve economic performance and employability. Capacity building, skills development in the workplace and commitment to the creation of new knowledge from the shop floor were the tactics used by the multi-sector partnerships to achieve the federal policy objectives.
The study also reveals that to realize program objectives, the government must explain its “big picture” policy interests. Success in the foundation building and development and demonstration years of the program was due, in part, to the fact that government took time to both research the implications of literacy for the economy and to invest in the dissemination of those results to the partners in order to increase knowledge and spur developments.
“Poor literacy levels are a barrier to making changes and improvements needed to compete in today's world” (p. 12).
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. Business Results through Literacy. Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Ontario Division.