The purpose of the research is to achieve, via a largely literature-based approach plus policy discussion, greater focus and specificity for future policy and provision directions in adult literacy and numeracy. The research will identify and analyse a small sample of successful cross-sectoral approaches to literacy and numeracy issues in community contexts. Characteristics considered to contribute to the success of programs will be identified, as will possible measures that may contribute to considerations of future funding and program management. The project will explore possible implications for the future training of literacy and community workers and the funding and organisation of community literacy programs as well as identify trends in Australian social policy.
An extensive literature and web-search to identify a small number of apparently successful and exemplary innovative literacy and numeracy programs / initiatives to identify what characteristics contribute to success. Ten programs will be identified for a focussed follow-up interview. A focussed international online discussion will be established involving a small number of key people identified through the research. In addition, a cross-sectoral 'think-tank' may be held in conjunction with ACAL and ALNARC.
The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) is a multi-campus university with over 27000 current students and a strong reputation in teaching and research across its nine faculties. In 2002, UTS won funds for its research totalling more than $22.7million. UTS has sound research and project management capacity through an articulated infrastructure of its Research and Development Office, Financial Services Unit, Human Resources Unit and Associate Deans of Research situated in each Faculty.
Professor Wickert has extensive experience and expertise in policy research and development. She is the author or co-author of numerous reports and papers including the influential report No Single Measure. Rosie was the founding director of the Centre for Language and Literacy at UTS, was one of the founding directors of the predecessor to ALNARC and is one of the co-editors of the journal Literacy and Numeracy Studies, Rosie is currently a member of the Executive of the Australian Council for Adult Literacy, having been its President in the past. She is also a member of the recently formed International Adult Literacy Exchange Network, which is a network of senior managers and researchers in the field. She currently holds the position of Director, Academic Policy and Projects at UTS.
