The traditional definition of literacy is the ability to use language, i.e. to read, write, listen and speak. In modern contexts, the word means reading and writing in a level adequate for written communication and generally a level that enables one to successfully function at certain levels of a society if that society is one in which literacy plays a role in providing access to power.
The standards for what level constitutes "literacy" vary among societies. Other skills such as computer skills or basic numeracy may also be included, as there are many people who cannot read letters but can read numbers, and even learn to use a computer (in a limited way) while remaining unable to read text. These and the increasing inclusion of sound, still and moving images and graphical elements in digitally based communication call for an even broader concept of literacy. (see: Literacy in the Information Age: Final Report of the International Adult Literacy Survey, OECD 2000. PDF). In Scotland for example, literacy has been defined as: "The ability to read and write and use numeracy, to handle information, to express ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, as family members, workers, citizens and lifelong learners." This definition embraces the Social Practice approach to literacies education and its impact on the "four areas of life" - personal life, family life, work life, community life and engages the "five core skills" - communication, numeracy, problem solving, working with others and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). Recently the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association have added "visually representing" to the list of communicative competences that are considered to constitute literacy.
Many policy analysts consider literacy rates a crucial measure of a region's human capital. This claim is made on the grounds that literate people can be trained less expensively than illiterate people. Policy makers also argue that literacy increases job opportunities and access to higher education. In Kerala, India, for example, female and child mortality rates declined dramatically in the 1960s, when girls schooled to literacy in the education reforms after 1948 began to raise families. Recent researchers, however, argue that correlations such as the one listed above may have more to do with the effects of schooling rather than literacy in general.
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Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Hawai`i - A US federal program with a mission to significantly increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. News and events, participating schools, tutor recruiting details, and contact information.
ABC Learn - Non-profit agency providing supplemental literacy instruction to at-risk students and recent juvenile releases.
Meta Description: [ We are proud to say we are a State Approved Provider of NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND Supplemental Educational Services ]
Alabama Reading Association - Events, projects, newsletter, pictures, and membership and contact details.
Canadian Organization for Development through Education (CODE) - Promoting self-sufficiency through literacy in the developing world.
Meta Description: [ CODE - Self-sufficiency through literacy in the developing world. ]
Center for Academic and Reading Skills - Research facility that studies how reading and other academic skills develop in normal and academically disabled children, and children who are underachievers.
Meta Description: [ Center for Academic & Reading Skill, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston ]
Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement - Resources pertaining to early literacy, including Power Point presentations, hot lists for reading teachers and tutors, and a searchable database.
Meta Description: [ CIERA's mission is to improve the reading achievement of America's youth by generating and disseminating theoretical, empirical, and practical solutions to the learning and teaching of beginning reading ]
Centre for Family Literacy - Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Centre offers a variety of family and adult literacy programs.
Meta Description: [ The Centre for Family Literacy is dedicated to helping families grow and prosper. Our programs, training and research help Alberta families achieve what they imagine - improved education, jobs and health. ]
Cooperation for Advancement, Rehabilitation and Education (CARE) - A non-governmental organisation working to promote education in Pakistan. CARE aims to provide basic education to as many children as it can reach, thus filling the void left by the inadequacy of government policy/plans for education. Mission, history, projects, news and press, contact information, and ways to support the group.
Delaware Valley Reading Association - A local council of the International Reading Association, DVRA provides professional development and additional leadership in promoting literacy in the Delaware Valley of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Feed the Minds - A charity which supports literacy, publishing and education in developing countries through grants. It also publishes a theological book review and is a source of literature for theological colleges. Find details about projects and grants, news, literacy, events, contact information, and opportunities to get involved.
Meta Description: [ Education makes a world of difference. We believe that education saves lives, reduces poverty and builds community.
So Feed the Minds works in partnership with local groups around the world. ]
First Book - U.S. nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide disadvantaged children with new books.
Global Literacy Project, Inc. - A non-profit organization which collects and ships donated books to Africa and the Caribbean where they are used to create libraries in rural schools and communities. Community literacy projects are also established. List of programs and related links.
Meta Description: [ We collect donated books and charitable gifts to establish libraries and literacy support programs in developing countries ]
Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council - Nonprofit agency that provides reading, writing, math, English language, and computer skills to adults and out of school young adults.
Meta Description: [ Nonprofit Literacy agency providing reading, writing, English, math, computer skills and workplace skills to adults and their families ]
Hollywood Education Literacy Program (HELP) - Literacy program for adults and children in Hollywood, California.
Indiana Literacy Foundation - A non-profit organization which works with and through volunteer literacy programs across Indiana. List of programs and related links.
International Reading Association - Seeks to improve quality of reading instruction through studying the reading processes and teaching techniques; serving as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of reading research.
Meta Description: [ the home page of the International Reading Association, a professional organization for those involved in teaching reading and promoting literacy ]
Kingston Literacy - Kingston Literacy furthers the development and growth of adult and family literacy in Kingston and neighbouring communities. We also create and market literacy resources.
Literacy Empowerment Foundation - Distribution of free and reduced cost books to schools, literacy groups and distance learners.
Literacy Matters - Literacy training and resources, lesson plans, advice, and news.
National Children's Literacy Project (NCLP) - A not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the literacy skills of children; promoting literacy as an integral factor in the growth of society and in an individual's ability to lead a productive and fulfilling life.
National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) - An independent federal organization leading the national effort toward a fully literate United States in the 21st century.
Meta Description: [ The National Institute for Literacy serves as a national resource for adult education and literacy programs, coordinates literacy services and policy, and provides leadership for literacy in the United States. The Institute disseminates information on scientifically based reading research pertain... ]
Operation Read - Operation Read teaches Adult Literacy and English as a Second language. Farm Outreach Video sales in English and Spanish.
READ Foundation - Reading Excellence and Discovery Foundation's mission is to enable at-risk children to achieve grade level reading proficiency, by using empirically supported educational methods.
Meta Description: [ READ Foundation (Reading Excellence and Discovery Foundation) - READ's mission is to enable at-risk children to achieve grade level reading proficiency, by using empirically supported educational methods., FW 8 DW 8 XHTML ]
San Jose Area Writing Project - Dedicated to improving the teaching of writing in kindergarten through high school classrooms. News and details about past and future events, registration information for those events, and contact and project information.
StoryPlus Foundation - A non-profit organization dedicated to improving children's literacy. Background of the group, newsletter, activities and events, and contribution details. In English and in French.
Student Coalition for Action in Literacy Education - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill based network of college students, adult learners, administrators, literacy practitioners and community partners to implement and support participatory education and social change work in campus-based literacy programs.
Teton Literacy Program - The Teton Literacy Program provides tutoring services for Teton residents who seek to improve their literacy in reading, writing, and speaking English. This site has information for visitors, tutors, students, and supporters.
Meta Description: [ Teton Literacy Program in Jackson Hole Wyoming provides resources so Teton County may achieve functional literacy by reading, writing, and speaking English. ]
The Center for Literacy Studies - Provides research and professional development services that strengthen adult literacy education thru local, regional, national, and international efforts. News, events, statistics, resources and research.
The National Literacy Trust - British nonprofit devoted to promoting literacy and literacy educators. Issues, statistics, research, events, publications, resources, other related organizations, discussion boards, and contact details.
Meta Description: [ The National Literacy Trust is a charity set up in 1993 to work in partnership with others to enhance literacy standards in the UK through reading promotion, research, campaigns and online resources. ]
Western New York Professional Development Consortium - Providing staff development to teachers and practitioners in the field of Adult Literacy and Education. This site lists resources, workshops, and conferences covering NY State Education initiatives, GED 2002, workforce development themes, and proactive adult education topics.
Meta Description: [ The Western New York Professional Development Consortium (WNYPDC) is one of ten regional staff development consortia established by the NY State Department of Education's Adult, Family and Alternative Education Team ]
World Literacy Crusade - Seeks to eliminate social ills through literacy education for children.
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