Changing skills for a Changing World

Recommendations for Adult Literacy Policy in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Alice Johnson is Senior Policy Analyst at the National Institute for Literacy in Washington, DC. "My fellowship has allowed me to explore adult literacy in policy and practice, culminating in recommendations for a national adult literacy strategy and for integrating literacy into major public policy initiatives. I was based at the Labor Market Policy Group of the Department of Labor and seconded to both the Ministry of Education and Workbase, a non-profit vocational literacy organization. I interviewed more than 150 people with expertise in adult literacy and visited a number of programs, including those in workplaces, polytechnics, alternative high schools, and other community settings. Through my site visits I was forced to question some of my long-held assumptions about adult literacy and learned that much is applicable to the U.S. as we grapple with similar issues. I presented my findings to the government, adult literacy professionals, members of the public, conference delegates, and the media. Upon my return, I plan to disseminate my findings widely, including a Capitol Hill briefing. The Axford Fellowship was an incredible opportunity - a time of important professional and personal growth. I was fortunate to experience living on both the North and South Islands, to appreciate New Zealand's abundant natural beauty, and to make lasting friendships."

Abstract

This report was researched and written under the sponsorship of the Ian Axford (New Zealand) Fellowships in Public Policy. It summarises major issues facing New Zealand's modern adult literacy movement and places it in the context of the rapidly changing skill demands of the 21st Century. In addition to an overview of the current adult literacy system and four new case studies, the pages that follow include recommendations for a long-term, comprehensive, co-ordinated adult literacy strategy - an overdue necessity in light of recent economic and technological changes.

Table of Contents

Abstract
Acknowledgements

Executive Summary

Introduction

PART I: The Unique Nature of New Zealand

The big picture
Chancing economy
National qualifications framework
Industry training strategy
Treaty of Waitangi
Maori issues
Migrant and refugee issues
Pacific peoples' issues

PART II: Adult Literacy in New Zealand: Past and Present

What is "literacy" in the 21st century?
Why is the definition important?
How literate are New Zealanders?
Literacy and employment
Literacy needs by industry
How does New Zealand's literacy rate compare internationally?

Background and theory
Airbag history of New Zealand's literacy movement
The emergence of workplace literacy
Highlights of international research on workplace literacy
Theoretical underpinnings: Freirean and competency-based models

Adult literacy in practice
National leadership
Provision of services
Highlights of international research on effective practice
Case studies
Case study conclusions

PART III: Looking Towards the Future

Public policy recommendations
Core elements of a comprehensive adult literacy strategy
Integrating literacy into the industry training strategy
Integrating literacy into the national qualifications framework
Integrating literacy into other policy initiatives

Implications for the United States

Bibliography

Appendix 1: The National Literacy Act (select portions)
Appendix 2: Case study interview questions

List of Tables

Table 1: Industrial structure of the labour force in New Zealand
Table 2: Skills of adults at level 1
Table 3: IALS literacy tasks: samples from each level
Table 4: Literacy skills by industry sector in New Zealand
Table 5:Illiteracy skills by occupation in New Zealand
Table 6: Adult literacy and ESOL providers
Table 7: Case studies at a glance

List of Figures

Figure 1: Literacy levels by ethnicity
Figure 2: IALS literacy continuum
Figure 3: Literacy skill levels of unemployed persons by ethnicity
Figure 4: Percent of adults with lowest literacy skills
Figure 5: Percent of adults at each literacy level
Figure 6: Occupational structure of employment: 1985-2000

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