Creating a Community of Readers to Fight Functional Illiteracy
Case Study 12
University of the People
Education Department: Master’s Degree Program
EDUC5271- Advanced Practices for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Literacy
Instructor: Alicia Clark
Date: December 7th 2023
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Introduction
When someone cannot read, write, and understand information at a level necessary for daily
living and employment, they are said to be functionally illiterate. That's not the same as illiteracy,
which is the total incapacity to read and write. The inability to complete fundamental tasks
including completing job applications, following directions, and comprehending crucial
paperwork can be attributed to functional illiteracy. Additionally, an individual's sense of self-
worth and general standard of living may suffer as a result.
Facts about the Study
1. The Impacts of Literacy on Workforce:
For people to function in the workforce, they must be literate in order to do fundamental
activities including deciphering critical papers, filling out job applications, and reading
instructions. People who lack sufficient literacy skills may find it difficult to obtain and keep a
job, which will limit their earning potential and career options. Furthermore, a person's self-
esteem and general quality of life may suffer as a result of functional illiteracy. However, since
they can think critically, speak clearly, and adjust to changing work environments and
technologies, people with excellent reading skills are better prepared to succeed in the
workforce. Thus, it is essential to support literacy and offer easily accessible literacy programs if
people are to succeed in the workforce and enhance their general quality of life.
2. The Role of Public Libraries:
For people looking to get better at reading and writing, public libraries are easily accessible
community facilities that provide literacy programs, tutoring, and educational materials. Public
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libraries serve a crucial role in enabling people to improve their reading skills and, consequently,
increase their possibilities for career and personal growth by providing these services.
3. Community Based approaches:
Community-based approaches to literacy are crucial because they acknowledge that it's a
problem that affects the entire community rather than just one person. Public libraries can create
comprehensive literacy programs that specifically address the needs of their local communities
by working with grassroots organizations, educational institutions, and other community
stakeholders. With this strategy, libraries may better utilize the resources and experience of other
groups to develop more specialized and successful literacy programs.
The Four Key Issues
1. Access to Technology for Literacy Learning: Despite efforts to enhance literacy learning
through computer-assisted instruction, there can be differences in the technology that participants
in literacy programs have access to.
2. Community Engagement and Support: In order to effectively address literacy difficulties,
it is critical to involve literacy students in the creation and evaluation of programs and to solicit
feedback from local leaders at the grassroots level.
3. Allocating Resources and Fostering Collaboration: Libraries must make sure that all
available resources—including personnel, buildings, technology, and collections—support
literacy initiatives. For the purpose of offering complete literacy services, cooperation with
outside agencies and groups is also essential.
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4. Program Customization to Meet Learners' Needs: Since literacy initiatives can vary
greatly among communities, it is important to customize programs to the needs and objectives of
the learners themselves.
Alternative Course
Establishing a conducive atmosphere for reading is the foundation required to support the
growth of literacy. As Forestall discovered, the power of a single excellent book may create
friendships among readers who get together to discuss heartfelt passages. For instance, at
university, when course loads break enthusiasm and time to read is gone, this connected group is
essential. But discoveries are made with other book lovers in a security. Through the pages turned
together, stories are recounted and friendships are built. Furthermore, although reading is
frequently perceived as a solitary activity, genuine connections can arise from book clubs coming
together like butterflies to brilliant pages. The enjoyment of plunging into a novel takes flight when
one meets people who share the same desire to lose themselves in made-up places.
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References
Baker, Paul J. and Moss, R. Kay. "Creating a Community of Readers". Spring/Summer 1993.
https://www.adi.org/journal/ss01/chapters/Chapter23-Baker&Moss.PDF
DeCandido, G. A., & Office, F. L. A. O. S. (2001). Literacy and libraries : Learning from case studies.
ALA Editions. https://cd21l9k6a-mp03-y-https-ebookcentral-proquest-com.proxy.lirn.net/lib/univ-
people-
ebooks/detail.action?docID=3001651&query=Literacy%20and%20libraries:%20learning%20from
%20case%20studies#
Forestell, John. "The Power Of One Good Book: Creating An Independent Reading Program In
An Alternative School To Help Promote Literacy". 2018.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1193&context=hse_cp
Jesweak, Tonya Kay. "Reader’s Identity: How Identity and Literacy Can Work Together for
Student Success in Middle School (Project)". 2015.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=coeawardhonor
Weyler, Karen A. "Creating a Community of Readers: Mary Mebane's Exploration of Difference
in Mary and Mary, Wayfarer." Southern Quarterly, 1997.
https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/K_Weyler_Creating_1997.pdf
