Krystal and I started this blog when we were both working for an organization focused on adult education and literacy. No surprises then, when that particular topic comes up frequently on the blog: it is our passion.
Last week we both attended an awesome panel discussion hosted by Academy of Hope and Defeat Poverty DC about the connection between adult literacy and K-12 education. Speakers from various organizations in the District were invited to speak about the connection between the two. Individuals from DCPS and local schools, a business professional, individuals from non-profit organizations and research institutes all came together to discuss this challenging topic and new approaches to the age-old problem with poor performance in K-12 schools.
Finally, a holistic approach on the larger problems we are seeing nation wide in our public schools. It's not solely a problem with teachers, it's not solely a problem with money, and it's not an issue of kids not caring anymore. The problem is largely about what happens at home. A school could have top-performing teachers, state-of-the-art facilities, and money pumped in to the system (as the District schools do-- many DC schools spend more dollars per child than anywhere else), but if education isn't continuing at home, it's not going to be a priority at school.
If parents can't read or weren't successful in school, they will not be able to help their children with homework. Similarly, if parents didn't have a good experience with school, they might not instill a value of learning and education in their kids. They might not join PTA organizations or attend parent/teacher conferences. There is no one at home to model behavior that lends itself to learning and growth at school.
Conversely, a huge reason, in fact, that adults come back to school is because they realize they aren't able to help their kids with homework.
Schools are starting to look at this and are now providing more ways to implement family literacy and ways for parents to get involved. As a country, we must shift our perspective and take a look at the issue at it's root. We can strictly standardize and evaluate teachers and we can provide opportunities in schools for children to excel; children will not take advantage of these things if their parents are not supportive of their education.
Adult education and literacy impact our future generations. They are not a generation where it's "too late"--they are directly involved with the health of this nation and our next generation of thinkers, job-holders, and leaders.
Like all social problems in this country, this is deeply entwined with other roots of injustice such as poverty. It is hard to separate and define what came first and unravel the problem to it's end, and instead schools are now attempting to remedy the big picture at once.
In addition to schools and non-profit organizations, corporations are also seeing the value in getting involved with education. As a member of our community, corporations can also do their part to spur health and vitality in a community. Giving proceeds to community organizations, volunteering time, and using their influence, money, and position in society to advocate for those that need it (and thus to the overall health of the community) are some ways that businesses can get involved with social issues and affect change.
Consider the idea that everyone benefits from adults learning and children succeeding; the community would thrive. The nation would thrive. Putting time, money, and resources into education is an investment, and ultimately everyone will benefit from better communities. Adult education is a large piece of the puzzle to wholeness and improvement in our nation. It is important to consider this piece when attempting to remedy the issues at hand.
--Megan
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