National Adult Literacy Database

Ontario’s drive to improve student literacy test scores may have had an unwanted side effect by decreasing young children’s enjoyment of reading, a new report suggests. The study by parent-led advocacy group People for Education, in co-operation with the National Reading Campaign, reveals a dramatic drop over the past decade in the percentage of Ontario students in Grades 3 and 6 who say they “like to read.”

Four Canadian book publishers will continue offering a rich selection of Canadian-authored books to readers everywhere, in both digital and print formats, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.

Work settings that allow flexibility in where and when an individual works can improve productivity, enhance sleep and contribute to overall better health, according to a new study. The discovery is another blow to the old belief that productivity is tied to an individual being on site for a strict 40 hours — and, never mind if they are unhappy or have poor health habits.

In the spirit of engaging employers in the essential skills dialogue, OLES invites you to participate in a free webinar opportunity that combines the web-based viewing of PowerPoint presentations with the interactivity and accessibility of an audio teleconference.

"This is an important contribution by the Senate committee to our Call to Action on First Nations education," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo. "They have acknowledged that 'fundamental, systemic change is required to replace an antiquated system of isolated and improperly resourced First Nations schools with the necessary organizational infrastructure needed for a 21st century school system.' "

Continuing to evolve and expand, the ESL Literacy Network has a new Youth section that responds to the needs of immigrant youth, ages 18 to 25, with interrupted formal education. Visitors to the section can learn more about Bow Valley College’s Bridge program and download practical classroom resources.

The Work and Learning Network, located in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Alberta, is a community of individuals and organizations that has come together to engage in research related to work and learning policy and practice.

A total of $10 million in skills-training funding is being made available to B.C. sector and industry groups over three years to allow them to play a leading role in developing new training programs to help meet labour market needs. The announcement was made during a keynote speech at a skills development conference hosted by the Industry Training Authority.

“Hidden Gems” are resources that Diana Twiss, director of adult and workplace learning at Decoda Literacy Solutions, recommends for anyone who works with adult learners.

Formalized diversity programs have become a mainstay in many business environments. "The way business looks at diversity is it's not just an employee program. It's about looking at the community as well," says Amy Hanen, associate vice-president of diversity and employee experience analytics at TD Bank Group in Toronto.

The 2nd annual survey conducted by Harris/Decima on behalf of Canada Post shows that greeting cards continue to be an essential tradition during the holidays - and one that permeates through younger generations, even if social media and electronic alternatives are prevalent in their lives.

The report examines the number of NALD Library documents, in both English and French, which are viewed and downloaded by visitors to the websites NALD and BDAA.

The Northrup Frye Literary Festival is planning to create a bronze sculpture of the Moncton-born literary giant. Dawn Arnold, chair of the literary festival, said the sculpture will help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Frye’s birth. Heritage Canada has awarded the festival $25,000 to help with the project.

There is an increased prospect of work stoppages in the public sector in 2012, because labour – which has quietly accepted restraint in recent years – is becoming frustrated with ongoing demands for concessions from government employers, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s Industrial Relations Outlook 2012: Going Sideways, With a Twist.

Employment declined in Quebec and Saskatchewan in November, while it increased in Nova Scotia. There was little change in the other provinces.