Planning an Adult Literacy Program

Components of adult literacy

• Reading• Writing• Math• English as a Second or Other Language

(ESOL)• Cultural literacy

Why start an adult literacy program?

• Community need• Economic concerns• Immigration• Children's education• Health issues• Quality of life

A literacy program as part of a larger initiative

• Violence prevention• Substance abuse prevention• Community health• Voter registration• Economic development• Job training• Education• Specific early childhood or school-based initiatives• Anti-poverty

How do you plan an adult literacy program?

Step 1: Assemble a planning team

Encourage participation of:• Local government• Libraries• Human service providers • Schools • Law enforcement

• Health providers • Employers • Labor unions• etc...

Step 2: Assess the needExplore sources of information:• Census data and other statistical records• School systems• Human service agencies and health providers• Community focus groups• Key individuals and pre-existing formal or

informal groups rooted in the community

Step 3: Design a program to meet the demand.

• What services will the program provide, and to whom?• What entity will run the program?

– Federal government– State agencies– Local governments– National organizations– Community based organizations– Employers– Public higher education– Schools or education partnerships

Step 3: Design a program to meet the demand. (cont.)

• What are the program's educational assumptions? – How will the program view students?– What will take place in the classroom?– Will the program be staffed by professionals or

volunteers?– Volunteer programs – How will you evaluate the program?

Step 3: Design a program to meet the demand. (cont.)

• How will the program be funded? – Public money– Foundation money– Community funds– Fundraising– Memberships– Endowment– For-profit arm of the organization