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Archie Willard
Makes the Case
for Adult Literacy
(Posted May, 2002)
Former VALUE President Archie Willard recently wrote an essay for an important new national publication. The book, called "Making the Case: Adult Education & Literacy: Key to America’s Future," was published in April by the Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy.
The book contains essays by a number of leaders in the adult education field. They state why adult literacy and adult education are vital for our country’s future. Archie says:
. . . Because of our ever-changing, fast-paced, hi-tech world, the need today is greater than ever for a strong adult education and literacy system in our country. . .
. . . Many people find themselves left behind for any of a variety of reasons and need help at different stages in their lives . . .
. . . In my early 50s the meat packing plant where I had worked as a laborer for 31 years closed its doors . . . As a dyslexic, a low-level reader, and a poor speller, I was very concerned that things would not work out. I knew that if I were to succeed (in a new job) I would have to find help and develop an outside support system. I found an adult literacy program and told them my problem. . . . This is the most important thing I did to survive on my new job. The program’s help, guidance, and encouragement built the confidence in me to be able to do the job. . .
He recommends:
- Adult learners should be appointed to advisory boards . . .
- Literacy jobs should be created for adult learners. . .
- VALUE should be supported . . .
Archie concludes:
VALUE’s members inspire other adult students and children with literacy problems to not give up. They also bring a human side to literacy and show that we are not just facts and figures, but real people who have gone through adult literacy programs.
Adult learners’ voices need to help shape the future of adult education. State directors of adult education, NIFL, and other groups need to team up with adult learners to find a common direction in which to move. They should know personally some of the adult students in their states and work with them to help develop student leadership, and then they should use this leadership.
For a copy of the full "Making the Case" report , go to CAAL’s Web site and look under "CAAL Publications."
Revised 5/31/02