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.

Aboriginal peoples are gaining ground in Canada's population, but they are losing their languages. And their family structure is dramatically different than other Canadian families, with less than half of children living with both their parents. The rest are in single-parent homes, living with relatives or step-parents, or in foster homes. Indeed, half the foster children in Canada under the age of 14 are aboriginal, according to the National Household Survey.

If you are involved in the provision of Literacy and Essential Skills programs and services, exclusively or as part of other services you deliver, to adults, as a paid teacher/instructor, skills assessor, program/curriculum developer, administrator, coordinator or manager, this survey is for you.

“Throughout its long history, the literacy and essential skills field has continually evolved and adapted in response to the changing needs of adults. This timeline captures some of the important people, events, initiatives and other influences that have helped shape the literacy and essential skills field in Canada over the past 200 years.” -- Essential Skills Ontario

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.

SEDI is actively seeking nominations from its partners and the public for its 2013 SEDI Awards. Nominations are open until May 9, 2013. Nominate someone who has inspired you and made a real difference in the lives of low-income Canadians through their work or the example of their own life journey.

The federal government has announced a significant investment in Canada's colleges and polytechnics through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The announcement was part of the Minister of State's keynote address at the Association of Canadian Community Colleges' Applied Research Symposium.

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 is an opportunity for all adults to take a pause and think about their own learning. What did I learn in the past year? What am I in the middle of learning right now and what should I be thinking about learning next?

To help mark Adult Learners' Week, adult learners from across PEI were invited to write inspirational messages to adults who are thinking of taking an adult literacy program.

Literacy and lifelong learning are important tools that give Canadians the skills necessary to understand how to read, communicate with others and engage fully and confidently in all areas of life. One of the goals of Adult Learners’ Week is to promote and facilitate easier access to these opportunities.