PROVIDENCE / 2:45 p.m. -- A recent study shows that nearly half of adult
Rhode Islanders lack basic literacy skills, but experts say only a tiny
fraction of them are taking advantage of programs that can help.
Secretary of State Edward Inman gathered about 40 adult-education,
social services and business leaders at the State House today to discuss
what he called a "literacy crisis."
"Rhode Island must dramatically improve its literacy rate or we will
face serious social, political and economic consequences," Inman said.
A report issued last month by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation found
that 47 percent of adult Rhode Islanders -- an estimated 368,000 people
-- are lacking basic literacy skills, the highest percentage in New
England. It drew on data from the 1992 National Adult Literacy Survey, —
the most recent available
"There are systems in place, (but) they are not serving the number of
people at the level of service that's needed," said Marcia Sullivan of
the Providence Housing Authority, which provides adult-education classes
for public housing residents in the city.
"I have resources. I have space. We can reach more people and we know
they're out there," said Tom Brillat of the Washington County Adult
Learning Center in South Kingstown.
The reasons for the literacy crisis are many, said Janet Isserlis of the
Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University.
Many older Rhode Islanders went to school at a time when learning
disabilities were not diagnosed or understood as well as they are today,
she said. Poverty is also a major contributor to illiteracy.
The average household income of participants in the Housing Authority
literacy programs is $6,800, Sullivan said, and they typically read at a
fourth-grade level at the time they enroll.
"We're serving a growing number of adults who are immigrants or
refugees," said Cindy Mlyniec of the Rhode Island affiliate of Literacy
Volunteers of America. "Many of them also have very limited education in
their native countries."
Critics say the Nellie Mae study fails to distinguish between adults
with limited English skills and native speakers. Rather, it lumps
together all adults who lack the literacy skills necessary for a job
that pays enough to support a family
The study was based on data submitted annually by the state to the U.S.
Department of Education. Researchers also interviewed state education
officials and staff members from state and regional literacy
organizations as part of the survey.
It found that Maine came in just behind Rhode Island with a rate of 42
percent, while New Hampshire had the best showing among New England
states with a rate of 36 percent.
The Braintree, Mass.-based group's study recommends that Rhode Island
spend about $11.5 million on literacy programs. Yet the state spent
$450,000 on adult education programs in 2001, lowest among the six
states in the region. Less than 6,000 people are currently enrolled in
adult-literacy programs.
Inman said the perceived shortcomings of the report "do not overshadow
the study's conclusion."
The workplace consequences of illiteracy are far-reaching, Mlyniec said,
including the inability to fill out job applications or read safety
manuals and evacuation plans. Adults who lack reading skills are also
more likely to commit certain crimes, including domestic violence, she
said.
There's a stigma attached to being an adult who can't read, the experts
said, which may deter some from seeking help.
Also, many of those in need of literacy training work two or three jobs,
often up to 70 hours a week, and can't find the time to attend literacy
programs. State-sponsored adult-education programs offered in the
workplace might alleviate that problem, Brillat said.
"They don't lack for motivation," Mlyniec said. "These are hardworking
people. ... But they have to work to support their families and they
have limited time to attend their programs. It's a very difficult cycle
to break."
DIGITAL EXTRA: To read the full "Rising to the Literacy Challenge"
report, go to the Nellie Mae Foundation's Web site,
http://www.nelliemaefoundation.org and click on "research."
