National Adult Literacy Database

Can learners improve their essential skills by studying online? A pilot test running that has been running from February to May 2010 with 240 students will determine the effectiveness of online learning using sector-specific, workplace-related materials and technological supports for disadvantaged learners. A second test will be conducted in the fall of 2010.

FREDERICTON, N.B. – The National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) is pleased to announce the recipient of its first Innovative Technology Award. Dr. Marc Glassman, an adult literacy specialist and a professor in the faculty of education at Memorial University of Newfoundland, has won the award for his contribution to the Stella Burry Community Services Workplace Literacy Project.

Bow Valley College invites you to participate in the national pilot of the new Reading Assessment Project developed by the Academic Foundations department at the college. The creators have developed a series of IALS-referenced tests that assess learners’ ability to read prose and use documents, from IALS mid-level 1 to low-level 3. The series consists of six paper-and-pencil tests that learners have one hour to complete.

(Toronto, ON – May 12, 2010) – ABC Life Literacy Canada (formerly ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation), in partnership with Grass Roots Press and with support from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, is delighted to announce more new authors for Good Reads, a series of books written by Canadian authors for adult literacy learners.

OTTAWA, May 10, 2010 — The Government of Canada today unveiled a national consultation aimed at building consensus among governments, the private sector, academia and the Canadian public in developing a digital economy strategy for Canada.

Aboriginal women today are outpacing men in education and succeeding in their careers. However, they also occupy the bottom rungs of society's ladder when it comes to suffering poverty, racism and domestic abuse.

Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, has invited the Organization’s Member States to submit two nominations for the 2010 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. These prizes are awarded in recognition of innovative and successful results in the field of literacy throughout the world.

Canada Post announced today that nominations for the 18th annual Canada Post Community Literacy Awards are now open. These awards recognize the achievements of Canadians who made important contributions to literacy in this country.

OTTAWA, May 3 /CNW Telbec/ - May is Speech and Hearing Awareness Month. Many of us take our abilities to hear and speak for granted but as Hosea Ballou said, "every word spoken within the hearing of little children tends towards the formation of character."

The April 2010 issue of Education Matters: Insights on Education, Learning and Training in Canada contains two articles.

The Statistics Canada 2011 Census Teacher's Kit is provided free of charge, for use in elementary, intermediate and secondary schools, as well as for adult education classes across the country. Students play important roles as future respondents to the census and translators to parents whose language skills are not strong in either of Canada's official languages.

OTTAWA, April 27 /CNW Telbec/ - More than 190 enterprising Aboriginal youths from across Canada will visit the University of Ottawa next month to attend the tenth edition of the E-Spirit National Aboriginal Youth Business Plan Competition gathering. The E-Spirit competition is organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

Thomas King and Tomson Highway, acclaimed Canadian Aboriginal authors, will address the Cultivating Connections National Family Literacy Conference being presented by the Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton, Alberta, July 15-17, 2010. Thomas King’s topic is “Stories Do Create a World” and Tomson Highway will speak on “How Literacy Can Make for a Healthy, Functional Family.” Register for banquet tickets to hear Thomas King or for the full conference.

ABC Life Literacy Canada is pleased to announce the launch of Life Literacy Radio this June. This new audio podcast series will feature news items and stories of literacy and life-long learning with a variety of interesting and entertaining guests.

The New Brunswick public libraries are planning to start offering e-books in the next few months to allow people access to more reading material in different formats.