National Adult Literacy Database

Canadian parents and teachers are succeeding at creating an environment at home and at school that promotes good reading skills among children, according to reports released today by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). But while the reports show that Canadian Grade 4 students perform well in reading by international standards, there remains room for improvement.

Following little change in October, employment rose by 59,000 in November, the result of an increase in full-time work. The unemployment rate declined 0.2 percentage points to 7.2 per cent.

Over the past few years Canadian Literacy and Learning Network (CLLN) has undergone a number of changes. One of the most recent changes has been the transition from a representational board to a skills-based board. CLLN is currently seeking applicants for one of 10 board positions.

The purpose of the State of the Literacy and Essential Skills Field report is to provide an overview of Literacy and Essential Skills across Canada from the unique perspective of CLLN and its national network partners, the provincial and territorial literacy coalitions. This is the first national environmental scan to be conducted by CLLN and as such it will inform the direction of future scans and will be the basis of further work to show how the Literacy and Essential Skills field is responding to trends.

In his new free workshop for 2013, Tom Sticht reviews extensive data on intergenerational inequalities in education and economics. He also presents data from many studies to suggest that greater investments in the education of undereducated youth and adults, many of whom are parents or will become parents, can help break the multiple life cycles of inequalities in education and economic achievement.

CSTD programming focuses primarily on those areas that are specific to training and development. While general management and leadership topics are always included in their programs, priority is given to the five core competency areas for the profession.

The Centre for Excellence in Foundational Learning at Bow Valley College is looking for experienced adult education practitioners to serve on an advisory committee for an innovative adult writing assessment project titled Write Forward. Members will assist in reviews of project design and development through all stages, and assist with networking and promotion of the project across Canada.

Over 100 eminent academics have signed a letter to Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister John Duncan demanding that core funding for Aboriginal organizations be restored to protect vital research projects underway. The signatories highlight that researchers partner with tribal councils, the National Aboriginal Health Organization, and other Aboriginal representative organizations to address "health, education and infrastructure issues that are preventing Canadian First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities from reaching their full potential."

ABC Life Literacy Canada would like to help employers build a better skilled, more resilient and effective workforce. If you are the company owner, general manager or HR manager, the organization would appreciate your completing this survey.

“Margaret cultivated and maintained strategic partnerships and kept literacy front and centre. She has been an influential advocate and has shown great passion for the literacy cause,” said Jim Warrington, Vice-Chair of the ABC Board, and Executive Director of the National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS).

For IEW 2012, Canada has chosen the theme, “Canada Engages with the World: Realizing Our Potential through International Education.” It underscores the value that Canadians place on connecting with the world through studying abroad, internationalized curricula, and international service.

"The skilled trades are the sectors of tomorrow, where the need for qualified people is most acute, and where many jobs will be created — should this be your path of choice." - Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, at launch of Skilled Trades and Technology Week.

The week-long event, which includes interactive student skills activities across the country hosted by Skills/Compétences Canada and its member organizations, highlights the shortage of skilled trade and technology workers and the tremendous career opportunities this presents for youth.

Following two consecutive months of increases, employment in October was unchanged and the unemployment rate remained at 7.4 per cent.

Visa is launching the game in support of Canada's Financial Literacy Month which takes place in November each year. As part of the celebration, Visa is extending its sponsorship of Credit Education Week Canada (CEWC) for a sixth consecutive year, which again includes support for a student essay writing contest.