National Adult Literacy Database

Now that summer is finally here, parents and children are excited about starting their summer vacation. But just because school’s out doesn’t mean we should take a vacation from learning. Research shows that children who don’t read over the summer lose some of the literacy skills they gained during the year and have a difficult time adjusting to school in the fall.

The National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) is pleased to announce that it has launched an online directory devoted to case studies of best practices in workplace education. Known as Studio, the interactive and bilingual website is national in scope, crossing various industry sectors and geographic regions.

NALD is pleased to launch Modus, its new searchable and interactive directory of essential skills assessment tools. The innovative website includes free diagnostic tools as well as links to fee-for-service agencies. It allows users to browse tools by essential skill, location, audience and cost, when applicable.

Please take a few minutes to fill out this short feedback survey regarding ABC Life Literacy Canada's and Natrel Baboo's joint project: Family Literacy Resources for New Parents. The survey must be completed before 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 24, 2013, for your chance to win a Family Literacy Day prize pack.

In the coming months, the Government of Canada will take several steps to bring players together and stimulate innovative ideas for addressing social and economic challenges. The Government will look to leaders in the social finance sector, such as the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, the Centre for Impact Investing at MaRS, Vancouver City Savings Credit Union, Social Capital Partners, and others to help identify a way forward.

Learning disabilities are commonly considered a school-based issue; but struggling in school means struggling in life. This makes learning to be confident and acquiring a healthy mental attitude a particular challenge for those with learning disabilities. With children and youth as this year's focus for Mental Health Awareness Week, I would like to call attention to the relationship between mental health issues and learning disabilities.

Beginning in January 2014, the GED® test will move from a paper-based to a computer-based format, which simply means that you will complete the test using a computer and not on paper. The test content will remain the same – five tests: Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Social Studies; Science; and Math.

The National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) will host a webinar on its digital library Wednesday, May 8, 2013, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Atlantic time.

The ACCC Board is pleased to announce it has named Denise Amyot as the new President and CEO of the Association, effective June 4, 2013. Ms. Amyot most recently served as President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, where she built on her track record of leadership excellence by implementing a strategic plan emphasizing beneficial partnerships with private sector, government institutions, not-for-profit organizations and academia.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gillian Mason as the new president of the national non-profit adult literacy and essential skills organization. Ms. Mason will begin her new role on May 21, 2013.

I DO BUSINESS - National Summit & Tradeshow was held on March 4-6, 2013 in Toronto. The three-day event was a great success, with over 150 individuals participating from coast to coast to coast. This National Summit boasted a variety of top-notch speakers on business and Aboriginal Entrepreneurship. Participants also noted that the networking opportunities were excellent, with many people leaving the event with binders full of business cards representing new opportunities and new friends.

Every year, many Canadians, particularly those on low incomes, miss out on a range of financial benefits and supports they are entitled to from the federal government. There are many reasons for this ‘low take-up’. Many may not know they are eligible. Or, they may face challenges applying for benefits or filing their income tax returns. Many simply do not know where to turn for help.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s annual fundraiser, Letters for Literacy, engages businesses to purchase a letter of the alphabet in support of adult literacy initiatives.

Adult Learners’ Week April 6-14, 2013, in Nova Scotia celebrates adult learning, promotes learning opportunities for all, and showcases the diversity of adult learning. All week long organizations hold special events throughout the province. This is a complete list of activities.

The aim of this survey is to gather a broad base of information about adult learners in Canada. Intended for anyone who has taken an adult learning course over the past year, the survey closes at the end of Adult Learners' Week April 6-14.