The need for adult literacy programs : pilot program for the W.O.T.S. Literacy Center

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2007

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Southern New Hampshire University

Abstract

The research in this thesis provides a look at the findings and effects of the problem of literacy in the city of Camden, New Jersey. It currently provides one of the most detailed pictures that have ever been available on the condition of literacy in this city -- and on the unrealized potential of its residents and particularly the youth. The media has portrayed the city as hopeless casting a spirit of depression and hopelessness on the residents. Also damaging, is the fact that they fail to acknowledge both the complexity of the literacy problem and the range of solutions needed to address it. Way of the Spirit Ministries, International Inc. (W.O.T.S.) has developed an Adult Literacy pilot-program for 8 residents in Camden, New Jersey between the ages of 16 and 35 or older (adult population). The participants who qualify for this pilot program will receive literacy and language development, computer skills training, along with basic math. The program will help participants increase their ability to use English as it should be understood, read, and written. We will help participants learn how to better connect math with everyday living. The program is designed to- - Test participants for basic education competency - Teach participants for two 14 week cycles to see if their reading, writing, and math levels rise according to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Context Standards and Cumulative Progress Indicators - Assess residents at the end of each cycle - Help prepare participants obtain their GED - Prepare participants with Job Readiness Training (JRT) - Help employ participants through job search at the State's One-Stop Career Center or Job Fairs - Assist participants with entrepreneurial training Our goal is to help raise the literacy levels of these low-level readers to the 9th grade level or better to further their education and obtain employment; because according to the States Work Force Development Data individuals with low literacy levels remain unemployable. (Author abstract)

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