OERI Support for Improving Adult Literacy
The Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) of the U.S. Department of Education sponsors the following activities that relate to adult literacy:
The National Center on Adult Literacy (NCAL) at the University of Pennsylvania sponsors research on how to improve the literacy levels of those most in need, including workers, immigrants, parents, and the incarcerated. For more information, call (215) 898-2100.
The National Clearinghouse on Literacy Education (NCLE) is an ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center of the U.S. Department of Education) adjunct clearinghouse that disseminates information and provides technical assistance on literacy education for limited English-proficient adults and out-of-school youth. Topics include ESL literacy, tutor training, and work place literacy. A special focus is the training of trainers of volunteer tutors and others who provide literacy services. The Clearinghouse collaborates with NCAL and the ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education (800-848-4815), and provides technical assistance to the newly established State Literacy Resource Centers in each State. For more information on this organization, call (202) 429-9292.
OERI's Library Literacy Program (Title VI, Library Services and Construction Act [LSCA]) makes grants to State and local public libraries to support a wide array of adult literacy projects.In addition to training volunteer tutors each year, projects promote literacy programs in the inner city and deliver services by bookmobiles and literacy vans, help employees in work-site literacy programs improve basic skills through computer-assisted technology, and teach the use of the library as an educational resource. The LSCA Title [Public Library Services Program provides funds to public libraries to support literacy projects for both adults and children. Call (202) 219-1315 for information on LSCA Title VI; (202) 219-1303 for information on LSCA Title I.
While these programs are formally identified as "adult literacy," OERI also contributes to the broader field of literacy education with support of research in areas such as basic skills, linguistics, cognition, and professional development.
-From: QERI Bulletin, Dept. EIB, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20208-5641.