NCJ Number
115410
Journal
Justice Report Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1988) Pages: 18-21
Editor(s)
D T Davies
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This review of workshop presentations on literacy and offenders considers the implications of offender literacy characteristics for program development and literacy testing and addresses existing literacy programs and the potential for new programs.
Abstract
Workshop participants concluded that Canada has a serious problem with functional illiteracy, as one in four Canadians is functionally illiterate. One effect of illiteracy is to damage the person's self-esteem, which is associated with problem behavior. Another workshop conclusion is that illiterates have general knowledge, skills, and strengths that cannot be measured. Workshop participants recommend that literacy education be functional for adult learners. Volunteer tutors are effective, but they must have requisite skills and be prepared to play a variety of roles. Support systems within institutions and within the community influence the success of literacy education. The educational environment must be conducive to learning and unlike the institutional environment that shaped the inability to learn. Limited resources and inadequate funding for staff and supplies is an ongoing worry for those delivering literacy programs.