Literacy Links

Adult Learner Persistence

Statewide Survey of Religiously
Affiliated Literacy Programs Under Way

In one of the first efforts of its kind, three prominent literacy groups have joined to conduct a survey of all religiously affiliated programs in the state.

Texas LEARNS has contracted with The Center for Literacy in Baylor University’s School of Social Work, to facilitate the online survey in partnership with the Texas Conference of Churches and Literacy ConneXus.

One of the goals of the project is to document the contribution of the faith community to addressing the challenge of low literacy levels in Texas, said Rob Rogers, director of the Center for Literacy.

“We believe there are many churches in the state with such programs, but the survey will give us more definitive information that we can then merge into a system to enhance networking and service delivery. We strongly encourage congregations of all faiths with a literacy program to respond to this survey,” Rogers said.

By mid-June, more than 90 churches from eight denominations and 39 cities had participated in the survey. These groups serve people of all ages in 10 program areas, including adult basic education, tutoring children, English as a Second Language and citizenship classes.

The survey concludes in June 2007 and can be found online at http://www1.baylor.edu/surveys/All_Faith_Literacy\all_faith_literacy_survey.htm

For more information, contact Carol Gene Graves, Assistant Director, at 254-710-3884.