Social and economic benefits of improved adult literacy: Towards a better understanding

• Summary
• Purpose
• Approach
• Research questions
• Methodology
• Organisations
• VOCED searches

Summary

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to work towards obtaining more reliable, useful estimates of the economic and social costs of poor adult literacy and numeracy skills and the benefits of improving such skills across a number of areas of social policy in Australia, with a view to informing future literacy and numeracy policy development.

Approach

Adult Literacy Research Report

Research questions

Key research questions are:

1. What effective means of measuring costs and benefits are available in various sectors?

2. What frameworks are available for examining the key impacts of literacy and numeracy skills for individuals and across areas of social, economic and community life?

3. What possibilities exist in the short and longer term for establishing a framework for ongoing monitoring and analysis of costs and benefits in relation to literacy and numeracy?

4. What existing information is available for modelling and assessing economic and social costs and benefits, and what new data might need to be collected?

Methodology

A literature search on overseas approaches to and frameworks for determining costs and benefits of literacy and numeracy skills. The literature examining the link between literacy and numeracy and productivity would be briefly re-visited; however, we are interested in going beyond this to explore possible relationships between literacy and numeracy and areas of social policy such as health; large and small business; community development and intergenerational relationships. Relevant literature relating to return on investment models may be considered.

Consultations with individuals and organisations to explore the possibilities for determining costs and benefits in Australia. This will build on the work undertaken by Figgis for ACAL. Contacts in community development, health, finance and small business, and welfare, which have already been made through the exploratory research of Figgis could form the basis for this aspect of the research. Consultations will focus on two or three key areas (eg. health, community development, ageing). 20 - 30 consultations will be conducted. The majority will be undertaken by telephone.

Preparation of briefs to cover a small number of areas of social and economic policy (no more than three or four) in order to guide gathering of data on costs and benefits.

Feedback and refinement of the prepared briefs from literacy and numeracy professionals and from representatives of the area of social policy.

Organisations

Australian Council for Adult Literacy Inc (ACAL) was established in 1977 to promote issues regarding adult English language, adult literacy and numeracy policy and practice. ACALs vision is to lead Australia in the development and promotion of adult literacy practice and policy. The organisation leads Australian debate on adult literacy and numeracy practices and policy, and promotes the broader contexts of adult education, representing and promoting the views of members. Raising public awareness of adult literacy issues and promoting the recognition of adult literacy teaching as a profession assists ACAL in building strong links within the field. ACAL provides information on current policies and services in adult literacy practice in Australia and promotes community awareness on these issues.

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