đ° Adult Literacy News Summary
Study: Identifying kids who need help learning to read isnât as easy as A, B, C
29-Oct-2025 - USA
In most states, schools are required to screen students as they enter kindergarten â a process that is meant to identify students who may need extra help learning to read. However, a new study by MIT researchers suggests that these screenings may not be working as intended in all schools. The researchersâ survey of about 250 teachers found that many felt they did not receive adequate training to perform the tests, and about half reported that they were not confident that children who need extra instruction in reading end up receiving it.
Read moreShane bags his dream job thanks to Shropshire charity
28-Oct-2025 - UK
Local charity Read Easy Shropshire Hills is using national Trustees' Week 2025 (November 3-7) to encourage adults who struggle to read to come forward and ask for help. They are asking people who know of friends and family members who cannot read, to pass on the Read Easy Shropshire Hills phone number, and encourage them to make a call that could transform their lives, as it has done for Shane
Read moreMP praises first Stevenage graduate from adult reading scheme
28-Oct-2025 - UK
The first Stevenage graduate from an adult reading programme has been called "a shining example of aspiration in action" by the town's MP. Jenny has learnt how to read with volunteer organisation Read Easy Stevenage and North Herts. Twice a week for two-and-a-half years, Jenny has been working with her dedicated reading coach Ali Browne, developing her reading skills to a level where she can confidently navigate tasks many people take for granted.
Read moreWelsh Government reading expert quits, warning new ÂŁ8.2m literacy plan 'not fit for purpose'
27-Oct-2025 - UK
The Welsh Governmentâs plans to raise reading standards have been thrown into doubt after a key member of its expert literacy panel resigned, accusing ministers of embedding âmixed messagesâ into a new ÂŁ8.2 million scheme to improve literacy. Elizabeth Nonweiler, one of only two members of the panel with experience teaching children to read, told ITV News the group has achieved nothing in nearly a year and that its failings are now being built into the governmentâs new national literacy programme.
Read morePenguin 'Little Book Stop' to open in Northfield to celebrate publisher's 90th anniversary
27-Oct-2025 - UK
Northfield has been chosen as one of the 90 locations where Penguin Books will install their Little Book Stops, in celebration of their 90th anniversary. This follows over 2,000 submissions, from Shetland to Cornwall, from members of the public for a community book sharing box in their local area. The 90 Little Book Stops campaign forms part of the brandâs ongoing 90th birthday celebrations, and is run in partnership with Little Free Library, the US-based non-profit that has overseen the installation of more than 200,000 neighbourhood book exchange boxes globally since 2009.
Read moreWhite paper misses the mark by omitting adults
26-Oct-2025 - UK
The post-16 education and skills white paper could have been the defining moment for a genuine lifelong learning revolution. Instead, it risks being remembered as the âpre-19 paperâ - a document that narrows opportunity to youth and higher education while overlooking the millions of adults who also need, and deserve, access to learning.
Read moreLiterary festival audiences bigger than ever
25-Oct-2025 - UK
With budget cuts, libraries closing and a report showing half of UK adults rarely picked up a book for enjoyment, half of UK adults rarely picked up a book for enjoyment there could have been fears for literary festivals. But this year's Birmingham Literature Festival, which featured Midlands novelists Jonathan Coe and Kit de Waal, attracted more than 4,000 people - up by 500 when compared to last year.
Read more15% of Switzerlandâs population struggles with literacy
24-Oct-2025 - Switzerland
Around 15% of Switzerlandâs population aged between 16 and 65âsome 844,000 peopleâstruggle with reading, writing, numeracy and basic problem-solving. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), drawing on OECD data, these adults tend to earn less, participate less in the workforce and report lower levels of well-being and social engagement than those with stronger skills
Read moreThe Booker Prize Foundation announces the Childrenâs Booker Prize
24-Oct-2025 - UK
The Booker Prize Foundation announces the Childrenâs Booker Prize supported by AKO Foundation, the first prize for childrenâs fiction from the charity that awards the Booker Prize and International Booker Prize
Read moreAdult Literacy Education Research Journal
23-Oct-2025 - USA
Published three times a year by ProLiteracy in partnership with Rutgers University, ALE informs practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and funders about best practices in adult literacy, numeracy, and English language education in publicly funded, community and volunteer-based programs in a wide range of contexts. The journalâs mission is to publish research on adult basic and secondary education and transitions to college and career programs. Each issue includes research articles as well as timely content such as resource reviews, opinion pieces, and debates and discussions.
Read more