Literacy Roundtable Position Statement Regarding Elected Boards of Education

Public education is at a crossroads in our community and the Literacy Roundtable recognizes the important role community members
have in creating an educational system that cultivates learning, growth, and development of all students across the lifespan.
When public education is governed by elected members of the community, it leads to transparency, accountability,
and responsiveness in student achievement, finances, and governance.

Join the ABC's of Literacy Blog!

View the Adult Education: Organizing for Change video

Facts and Stats

• 90 million American adults (nearly half) have limited basic reading and writing skills.
• In Missouri, 1 in 6 adults (16+ years) lack literacy skills to enter simple information on an application. (NALS)
• In Illinois, 1 in 5 adults (16+ years) lack these skills. (NALS)
• The poverty rate for immigrants/refugees in 2000 was 50% higher than that of the native-born population. This is primarily affected by lower English literacy levels among immigrants/refugees.
• Children of parents who drop out of school are six times more likely to drop out.
• 82% of employers surveyed said they saw an increase in work quality as a result of offering workplace literacy training.