Regional Action Plan to Help Improve Literacy Rates

Atlantic Canadians will benefit from improved literacy strategies thanks to the development of an Atlantic Canadian Literacy Action Plan launched in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, today, Sept. 25.

The Atlantic ministers of education and training demonstrated their commitment to improving literacy in Atlantic Canada by supporting the objectives in the plan that work to address and promote literacy at all levels, from early childhood to adult education.

"Delivering a consistent plan is important for the economic future of Nova Scotia, and Atlantic Canada," said Education and Labour and Workforce Development Minister Marilyn More. "This action plan will complement the progress we are making in Nova Scotia through the initiatives in public schools, post-secondary, adult, and early childhood education."

The plan focuses on the benefits of early childhood education and the need to identify specific actions that will promote early literacy learning. The plan further addresses the promotion of teacher literacy training across curriculum and at universities, increased professional development opportunities and increased awareness around the benefits of improved literacy rates for adults in Atlantic Canada.

"Literacy levels have a profound impact on a person's quality of life and on the economic prosperity of Atlantic Canada," said Ms. More. "This plan will work to help Atlantic Canadians live a better life by achieving the literacy skills they need to increase labour productivity, and improve economic and social prosperity in Atlantic Canada."

Over the next three years, the literacy priorities of public education will focus on increasing professional knowledge and skills in teaching literacy. Priority will also be placed on assessing, tracking and improving literacy learning outcomes for all students in the context of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Enhancing curriculum leadership and making improvements to literacy capabilities for learning in all areas of the curriculum.

Priorities for adult and workplace literacy will focus on increasing awareness of the benefits of improved adult literacy, encouraging employer engagement, eliminating barriers to learning opportunities and assuring relevance and value to the learner.

Other objectives include increasing professional standards, knowledge and skills in teaching/facilitating adult literacy and essential skills and improving the quality and effectiveness of adult literacy and essential skills delivery.

The ministers of education and training have also taken steps today to further promote literacy with the completion of curriculum and assessment resources for use in schools across the region. These resources support improved outcomes in literacy and numeracy and provide new, engaging and custom-designed resources for specific and unique needs of Atlantic Canadian students

Literacy: Key to Learning and Path to Prosperity -- An Action Plan for Atlantic Canada 2009-2012 was prepared by the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training, and the full document will be available at www.camet-camef.ca on Monday, Sept. 28.