Oakland Adult Literacy Task Force
Recent census data (2005) show that among citizens of Oakland as many as 25%, or 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 have yet to complete high school. A comparable percentage report speaking English "less than very well" with the implication that they may lack the key literacy skills for full participation in our community. These data reflect native-born English speakers as well as those whose first language is different from English. Also included are young and older adults who never had a chance to attend school, those who may have dropped out of school, or attended substandard schools, or those with undiagnosed learning difficulties. Sadly, these factors aren't often found in isolation but occur in combination.
Adults with limited literacy skills may be under- or unemployed, who may not know how to access employment support services available to them. Many are proud parents, guardians and grandparents who cannot fully share in their child's school life, weakening the home-school connection, consequently placing their child at risk of perpetuating a cycle of limited literacy. Today, securing family safety, health, transportation, housing and financial needs also require literacy skills, and an increasing number of Oakland's jobs require some technology literacy.
To better serve the needs of our community, the OALTF seeks to increase public awareness of the services that promote a comprehensive and lasting adult literacy movement in Oakland. The OALTF brings together literacy providers, adult educators, support services and concerned community members. The Task Force works to:
- Identify existing services and potential service gaps,
- prepare and maintain a resource directory for adult literacy services, and
- coordinate, strengthen and expand literacy efforts so that every adult seeking to improve their literacy skills can be served served.
Links to Adult Literacy and Education providers in Oakland:
- B.O.S.S. (Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency)
- Harbor House ESL
- Lao Family Community Development
- NEXT STEP Learning Center
- Oakland Unified School District Adult and Career Education
- PROJECT BRIDGE
(Laney College - Peralta Community College District)
- SECOND START Literacy Program
Questions?
Contact Marisa Arrona, of Councilmember Nancy Nadel's staff: ArronaM@oaklandnet.com
