The concept of social innovation has recently emerged as an influential approach to address intractable social problems. Increasingly discussed in academia and policy circles, the concept draws on multifaceted practices and ideas from many disciplines. Yet despite widespread discussion and promotion, there is still limited understanding of…

Examines contemporary "technocratic" and "progressive" approaches to literacy. Discusses "functional literacy" in relation to the classical model of "high literacy." Suggests research be guided by considerations of contextual factors influencing acquisition and use of literate abilities and organized in…

This publication reprints the text of the Accountability Framework for the Adult Literacy Education System and Core Quality Standards for Programs in Ontario. The framework describes how the Ontario Training and Adjustment Board (OTAB) is accountable to Ontario's adult literacy education system and explains how OTAB-funded programs are accountable…

The cost of illiteracy to Canadian society has been estimated at $10 billion per year, the cost to business at $4 billion. In addition, there are human and social costs upon which it is impossible to place a dollar value. Human costs are stress and low self-esteem, worse health, lower income, and inability to participate fully in social and…

The work of Gee and Purves helps provide a framework for understanding cultural contexts and contextual boundaries of literacy. Gee (1991) uses the term "discourse"--a socially accepted association among ways of using language that can identify one as a member of a social context--synonymously with cultural context. Purves' (1991) work…

"Proxy" measures have been developed and applied that extend the usefulness of direct assessments of adult basic skills. Three categories of users of data on adult literacy are as follows: (1) government authorities who need objective data to inform the decision-making process; (2) program delivery institutions who require an assessment…

This document provides a snapshot of literacy programs and activities in Canada for 1995-96. The first section describes the National Literacy Secretariat (NLS), defines literacy, and discusses NLS's mandate, structure, and principles. It describes the following: (1) activity areas supported by NLS (developing learning materials, increasing public…

A pilot project developed a survey of social indicators of literacy within the Northwest region of Ontario, Canada. The project aimed to identify the following: social, economic, and cultural characteristics of the region; ways that local service providers were responding to them; and successes, gaps, and unmet challenges in literacy provision. Of…

Presented in case study format, this report looks at different types of workplace literacy programs across Canada. It describes in some detail 10 particular work environments and the unique characteristics that have enabled each to offer quality worker education programs. Each case study provides information in these categories: profile (an…

This report documents, in case study format, eight workplace literacy programs in Canada. Introductory materials highlight conclusions and discuss reasons for undertaking the project to document the Canadian experience in basic skills training from the perspective of the employer and employee and program design. Each case study or program profile…

This publication contains 37 stories, vignettes, and poems written by participants in the British Columbia Buildings Corporation Workplace Language Program. The pieces center on family, work, people, and places and were written by people who decided to learn how to improve their language skills. They represent slices of employees' lives as they…

Discusses a variety of techniques for conducting assessments of English-as-a-Second-Language literacy programs, analyzes several existing tests, and presents ideas for creating new tests. A notion is considered for assessing first language literacy with learners who know neither official language in Canada. (10 references) (Author/LB)

The Labour Adjustment Initiative was developed in Ontario to provide the ever-increasing number of laid-off workers with remedial basic skills training in order to prepare them for other jobs or further training. The model developed by the Literacy Branch of the Ontario government emphasized a collaborative approach that drew together all of the…

To meet new needs, society has raised its requirements with respect to basic education and redefined illiteracy. A 1989 survey found that 38 percent of the Canadian adult population have reading problems. Illiteracy is a social problem involving the entire community. The social cost is counted by the millions prevented from exercising their rights…

Findings of a 1989 national survey of the functional reading, writing, and numeracy skills of Canada's adult population are reported. The survey population was a representative sample of 9,500 individuals aged 16-69. Three questionnaires gathered information on socio-demographic and educational background, screened out individuals with very low…