Report spells out adult literacy failings

Adult illiteracy is viewed as a serious problem

Almost a quarter of all adults in Scotland have insufficient reading, writing and numbers skills, according to a government report.

The findings of the Adult Literacy Team supports earlier research which suggests more than half of the adult population do not have adequate skills to meet the demands of the information age.

It recommends doubling the numbers of adults receiving literacy and numeracy help by 2004, and improving quality.

The Adult Literacy Team was established by the then minister for enterprise Henry McLeish in June 2000.

Wendy Alexander: "Few issues can be so crucial"

Its research found that around 800,000 adults, or 23% of the Scottish adult population, had very low literacy and numeracy skills.

The report calls on the government to head a national strategy on adult literacy and set up a central body to support local projects.

The Scottish Executive committed £22m to adult literacy schemes last September.

It said it wanted the money to be reallocated from further education colleges to local councils in the hope that it can be better targeted at communities.

Distant and irrelevant

The executive will now give £18.5m to local authorities because it fears that further education colleges can be seen as distant and irrelevant by people who need assistance with literacy.

Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Wendy Alexander has welcomed the report.

She said: "Few issues can be so crucial - improving these core skills is the key to helping people participate in, and contribute to, our economy, society and communities.

"The problem of poor levels of adult literacy has been neglected for 20 years.

"The problem of poor levels of adult literacy has been neglected for 20 years

Lifelong Learning Minister Wendy Alexander

"We are responding immediately to the challenge of doubling capacity within three years."

She added: "I am determined to ensure everyone receives a high quality learning experience geared around their own learning aspirations.

"We need to develop a system that really attracts learners, meets their personal wishes, and recognises their progress as learners.

"A national training team has already been established to begin the task of improving quality in the system."

Stephanie Young, who led the Adult Literacy Team, welcomed the Scottish Executive's commitment.

Engaging learners

He said: "I believe our report provides a comprehensive picture of what needs to be done, and it is good to see ministers responding immediately to one of its key conclusions.

"Our target groups try to disguise their problems or don't fully recognise their need for help.

"We must find new ways of engaging learners and ensure they receive the best help possible."

The report was also welcomed by Liberal Democrat MSP Donald Gorrie.

He said it "proves that the executive is dedicated to developing the educational needs of adults across Scotland.

"The report's findings show that there is a real need for improving literacy skills amongst some adults by giving them specialist learning opportunities."