Polis Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Adult and Family Literacy Programs

Statement

For the third consecutive term, Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced a bipartisan resolution supporting the designation of the week of September 23rd as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. The resolution recognizes the importance of adult education and family literacy programs to honor adult learners who gain the skills they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency and participate in their children's education.

"Adult education and family literacy programs provide crucial supports for adults to learn English, gain employment, advance in their jobs, engage in postsecondary and training programs, participate in their children's education, and achieve economic self-sufficiency," said Representative Jared Polis (D-CO). "I am proud to introduce this resolution once again to raise attention to this issue and highlight these high-impact programs across the country."

According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, there are approximately 93 million adults who lack the literacy skills to reach their full potential and approximately 30 million of these individuals are at the lowest levels of literacy. They provide millions of Americans with the skills needed to lead productive and self-sufficient lives, boost their academic achievements, and engage in our twenty-first century workplace. According to economists, two-thirds of jobs will require a postsecondary education by 2020. Adult education programs help adults improve their skills and prepare for family-sustaining employment or transition to postsecondary education.

Adult Education and Family Literacy programs work with parents without a high school diploma or equivalent credential and their young children to break cycles of illiteracy and poverty that plague some of our nation's most vulnerable families. More importantly, they provide parents with the knowledge and skills needed to be their child's first and most important teacher and to be full participants in their child's education. For children, family literacy programs help ensure that children start school ready to learn and on an equal footing with their peers.

The National Adult Education and Family Literacy week is an opportunity for educators, advocates, and participants in these important programs to elevate adult education and family literacy nationwide with policymakers, the media, and the community. The outreach which occurs during this week is critical to reaching many of those who would benefit from these programs.

This resolution is supported by the National Coalition for Literacy.

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