National Adult Literacy Database

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.

By Tom Sticht International Consultant in Adult Education Many adults who are native English language speakers still lack sufficient oracy and literacy skills for school learning, technical training, college and successful career progression. Though considerable attention has been given to the role of literacy in these life roles, less attention has been given to oracy skills.

CHICAGO – Speaking to a full house of educators at the opening general session of the International Reading Association’s 55th Annual Convention in Chicago, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan said teaching was her favourite profession and the “most noble profession.” The queen spoke simply and with heartfelt eloquence about what literacy means and the important role teachers have in moulding life. “The future is in your hands.

UNESCO is celebrating World Book and Copyright Day on 23 April by highlighting the need to preserve creativity from piracy. The Day also marks the launch of celebrations in Ljubljana (Slovenia), World Book Capital for 2010.

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.

Jahara Drammeh first thought about coming to America while watching the 1988 Eddie Murphy film “Coming to America.” He liked what he saw.

For 111 years, Frontier College has relied on the power of volunteers to deliver its literacy programs across Canada. As Canada's original literacy organization, Frontier College has been recruiting volunteers to work with Canadian children, youth and adults from coast to coast since 1899.

DALA is a user-friendly assessment, specifically designed to assess the literacy skills of very beginning readers. The primary purposes of DALA are to inform instruction and measure progress.

Finally, an online credit course for teachers, teachers in training, and students interested in communications studies and media education. Understanding Media Literacy: Inside Plato’s Cave is a breakthrough online three credit course written, tested and endorsed by teachers and delivered in partnership with Athabasca University.