National Adult Literacy Database

Much to the dismay of many Scrabble traditionalists, new slang terms, such as "innit,” "thang" and "grrl," have been added to the official list of words that can be used in the popular board game.

Parkdale Project Read is a community-based non-profit adult literacy program, partnered with George Brown College to provide academic upgrading to youth in the community, along with support to students.

“Kids don’t just come to school with a backpack full of books. They come with a lot of emotional issues,” says Melanie Mizzoni, child and youth worker with the Catch class program at CAMH, which is offered in partnership with the Toronto District School Board.

Social bookmarking tools let users save their bookmarks and share them publicly. They also allow communities of users to look at websites and keep track of the ones they think are valuable. Some of these users are interested in adult basic education and literacy.

As part of its Strategic Plan, Frontier College has announced it “will reach more learners by 2014 through bold leadership. We will achieve this by expanding our network of supporters and by demonstrating value and performance.”

Elections Canada understands the importance of giving all Canadians equal opportunity to exercise their right to vote. That is why they have created a web section with information written in plain language. The site provides voters with important information regarding how to vote and voting eligibility.

Cash-strapped students have a number of ways they can reduce their taxes now, as well as in the future, says CIBC’s tax and estate planning expert Jamie Golombek, in the third of a series of tax tips this month.

ABC Life Literacy Canada is actively involved in social media as a way to engage and interact with its internal and external stakeholders, sponsors, donors and the community-at-large. With that in mind, it has recently produced Social Media Guidelines, a document which includes helpful tips and suggestions.

International Adult Learners’ Week (IALW) received much support from literacy organizations across Canada as was indicated by the number of articles posted to the IALW news releases page on NALD.

For people to want to read, they must see themselves in the story, which one Canadian author says has been a stumbling block for aboriginal youth.

“Canada’s social and economic future lies in the continued educational growth of its citizens,” said Andrew Parkin, director general of CMEC. “Whether it is learning a new language, improving our literacy, or acquiring the skills needed for a new career, adult learning offers us the chance to grow as individuals and in doing so create positive change in our homes, communities and country.”

“The federal government plays a central role in funding programs that aim to improve quality and accessibility of post-secondary education in Canada,” said Zachary Dayler, national director of CASA. "The federal and provincial governments must work collaboratively toward a sustainable funding model that respects provincial and federal jurisdictions.”

The TDSB Adult ESL Program is hosting a variety of activities this week and the public is invited to attend.

Some of your favourite titles at Grass Roots Press are 10 per cent off from April 2 to 9, Adult Learners’ Week.

Through the learner area of its website, CLLN strives to strengthen the voice of learners across Canada. Complete with an audio component, the learner area features learner profiles, an interactive election feature and tips for writing letters.