NZ Adult Literacy Strategy Released
A strategy to improve adult literacy states that, long-term, all NZers should enjoy a level of literacy which enables them to participate fully in all aspects of life, including work, family and the community, and to have the opportunity to achieve literacy in English and Te Reo Maori. Too many NZers, it is said, lack the essential reading, writing and problem solving skills to succeed in life and work (for example, the 1996 International Adult Literacy Survey said one in five adult NZers had very poor literacy skills).
The Strategy outlines a long-term approach to improve the current situation, based on:
- increasing opportunities for adult literacy learning;
- developing the capability of adult literacy providers to deliver high quality education; and
- improving quality systems to ensure that adult literacy teaching programmes in NZ are world class.
In the first 2 or 3 years the Strategy concentrates on building quality systems, and improving the capability of the adult literacy sector.
Four principles underpin the strategy:
- gains for learners will be achieved as quickly as possible;
- programmes will match learners' needs in content and pace;
- best practice, evaluation, and research will guide programme development; and
- the range of programmes will be appropriate for the wide diversity of learners.
The Ministry of Education will provide overall direction and planning, and will co-ordinate the development of standards and 'best practice' models. The Ministry will soon be appointing an Adult Literacy Chief Adviser who will be responsible for putting in place the Strategy.
| The Strategy is available on the Ministry of Education's website: www.minedu.govt.nz and a hard copy can be obtained by emailing linda.gill@minedu.govt.nz |
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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