Literacy news
Lord Boswell: Literacy is a moral issue
17 May 2011
In a commentary piece in the Guardian today, Lord Boswell stated his belief that literacy is a moral issue.
The minister formerly responsible for adult learning emphasised the importance of literacy and is to lead the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education's independent inquiry into adult and youth literacy in England.
Lord Boswell went on to say:
The bar to achieving functional literacy is being raised all the time. It is not just about learning the alphabet, it's about being able to understand a ballot paper and fill in a census form.
The solution, he says, is "a more varied system. We need to create pluralism of providers by using the voluntary sector effectively – in a way that does not subvert the work of professionals".
Read the full piece at www.guardian.co.uk/adult-learning/literacy-is-a-moral-issue
The report into adult and youth literacy is due in September 2011, to coincide with International Literacy Day.
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