Oakland Adult Literacy Task Force

An estimated 38% of Oakland adults (more than 114,000) lack the literacy skills needed to perform even the simplest, everyday reading, writing, and math tasks. An estimated 60% (more than 180,000) are not ready to meet the basic literacy demands of work in the 21st century. These statistics include both native born English-speakers as well as immigrants speaking languages other than English; young and older adults who never had the chance to go to school, who dropped out of school, who attended substandard schools, or who have undiagnosed learning disabilities. Adults with limited literacy are unable to participate fully in the life of the community, are under- or unemployed, and unlikely to be well-informed voters. Those who are parents or guardians of children are unable to share in their children's school work, and their children are at risk of perpetuating the cycle of illiteracy. Parents need to read directions on a child's medicine bottle; they also need to read to the children, help them do homework, and model the practices of literacy. People responsible for households need to read to determine whether the terms of a lease agreement are fair. Many former prisoners have low literacy skills; this contributes to difficulties becoming productive members of the community. For a non-reader, using an ATM at a bank, establishing credit, or using a checkbook may be impossible without assistance. To better serve the needs of these adults and to promote a comprehensive adult literacy movement in Oakland -- the Oakland Adult Literacy Task Force brings together adult literacy providers, adult educators, and concerned community members. The Task Force is working to identify existing services and service gaps, prepare a directory of adult literacy services on paper and on line, publicize the availability of these services, and coordinate, strengthen, and expand services so that no adult who seeks to improve his or her skills goes unserved.   Adult Literacy and Education providers in Oakland (click here) SECOND START Literacy Program NEXT STEP Learning Center B.O.S.S. (Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency) PROJECT BRIDGE (Laney College - Peralta Community College District) Oakland Department of Adult Education  Questions? Contact Marisa Arrona, of Councilmember Nancy Nadel's staff: ArronaM@oaklandnet.com