4.4 Outcomes for a Literacy Framework
Participants were asked to comment on the following possible outcomes for a literacy framework:
As a province, we are working towards:
- programs and services that are inclusive and accessible to all Albertans,
- all individuals developing and enhancing their literacy competencies,
- education and training providers delivering quality literacy programs and services,
- literacy development supported and sustained through partnerships, and
- policies, programs and services that are designed to provide a continuum of literacy development.
Comments on the outcomes can be grouped into four themes. These four themes recurred consistently when participants were asked to identify barriers and solutions to achieving the literacy outcomes.
4.4.1 Public Awareness of Literacy
- We need to increase awareness that literacy is a continuum rather than a binary of being literate or illiterate.
- Having the media provide information along with a clear picture of the need for literacy services (such as International Adult Literacy Skills Survey statistics) would raise the value of literacy in society, inform people of opportunities and encourage a learning society.
- Increasing awareness often reduces stigma, and breaks down misconceptions that prevent learners from increasing their skill levels.
4.4.2 Resources
- Resources are needed to integrate a continuum of learning and create interventions where learners currently fall through the cracks.
- Resources are also required to support excellence in teaching, instruction and delivery, increase accessibility and meet the goals put forward by the framework.
4.4.3 Evaluation, Measurability and Accountability
Concrete goals with specific targets, timelines and common measures (qualitative and quantitative) are required to evaluate whether literacy is improving over time.
- There needs to be accountability - a discussion around what success means, how it is measured, and what happens with learners and programs when there is a lack of success.
- Government leadership was seen as necessary along with a requirement for annual reporting on progress.