Upcoming Events:
Literacy Texas is the statewide literacy coalition. We act as a support system for adult and family literacy programs, connecting and equipping them through resources, training, networking and advocacy.
Our vision is that every literacy organization in Texas will have what it needs to help adults and families learn basic literacy skills, so that all people can participate fully in society.
We’re overjoyed to be welcoming Jacqueline Aguilera to the Literacy Texas team. Jackie will take the part-time role of Community Liaison and Program Host, and you’ll see her primarily at regional symposia and as host of our online Best of Texas sessions. Find Jackie’s bio here.
New date, new location! Join us in McAllen in November.
What have others learned about involving volunteers in adult literacy programs?
This year, we’re in Texarkana! Registration is open now.
Learn from Houston experts Sarah Finley and Lara Speights, both of Neuhaus Education Center.
In June, it’s Literacy in Corrections – come spend an hour with local experts!
Our theme in October is Learning Differences & Disabilities.
Connect with this theme:
- October blog post, “x”
- Best of Texas: Learning Differences & Disabilities (online, October 9)
The 5 AM Scholar: How Texas Adults Are Redefining Where and When Learning Happens
“It’s 5:47 AM in Houston.
While the city sleeps, Jasmine sits in her parked car outside the elementary school where she works as a custodian, earbuds in, reviewing fractions on her handheld device. In two hours, she’ll clock out, drive across town to her second job at a retail store, then pick up her three kids from aftercare. But right now, in these stolen 20 minutes before her shift starts, she’s mastering algebra.
Sound impossible? If you’re an adult literacy educator, you know it’s just another Tuesday.”
How You Can Make a Difference in Texas
What Literacy Texas does
We provide resources and training to the staff and volunteers at community-based organizations (CBOs). Texas literacy organizations help adults to learn English, increase their reading, and many have a particular focus on assisting parents and caregivers to increase their own literacy and support their child’s learning.
We support CBO staff and volunteers who offer alternative high school degree programs.
We support workforce CBO programs and advocate with public policy leaders to enhance the positive impact of a more literate society.
We work with other literacy organizations, foundations, and business leaders to stress the need for public policy change to improve these numbers.
We are a champion of finding resources to keep students in the formal education system.
We hold multiple regional symposia and an annual conference free of charge to CBO staff and volunteers.
Literacy Issues Impacting the Texas Economy
Texas has 6.5 million residents who speak a language other than English at home. Texas has a growing and diverse population.
In Texas there are 3.8 million adults without a high school diploma.
A rise of 1 percent in literacy scores leads to a 2.5 percent rise in Texas labor productivity.
Literacy programs throughout Texas are only serving 3.6 percent of the 3.8 million in need.
Dropouts cost Texas $9.6 billion annually (United Way of Texas). Improving this number will greatly enhance the economic welfare of Texas.
Texas is 47th among states ranked by percent of literate citizens in 2017.
What Literacy Texas is Doing About It
We hold 6 symposia and an annual conference free of charge to CBO staff and volunteers.
Our strategic supporters are the best!
Making an impact on literacy in Texas isn't something we can do by ourselves.
See the organizations behind the scenes who make all that we do possible.
Good Things Are Happening at Literacy Texas
800+
Members
400+
Organizations
60+
Supporters
Membership in Literacy Texas Has Many Benefits
Professional Development
Grow your skills, attend programs and webinars, learn from keynote speakers, improve professionally.
Literacy Training & Resources
Get access to literacy training, the LT resource library, news updates and even more training materials.
Networking Opportunities
Engage and network with other program participants, organizations, LT supporters and volunteers.
Symposia & Conferences
Go to symposia throughout Texas, learn about new issues & advocacy and attend LT’s 3-day conference.
View our calendar for symposia, annual conference, webinars, and other events.
Literacy Texas Blog: Literacy Transforms Texas
Carry on, continue, endure, prevail
The words in this blog title are all synonyms for “persist”. And they’re all what we hope adult students will do, when they first join our literacy classes. We want
The 5 AM Scholar: How Texas Adults Are Redefining Where and When Learning Happens
This is a guest post by Vaschni Savain of Brainchild Unlimited, a 2025 Annual Conference sponsor. It’s 5:47 AM in Houston. While the city sleeps, Jasmine sits in her parked
A Letter to the Literacy Texas Community
Author: Magda Salazar, Literacy Texas Board of Directors I share this message as Literacy Month comes to a close, and right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month. I share
Adult Literacy and the Workforce: Building Skills for a Better Future
This is a guest post by BurlingtonEnglish, a 2025 Annual Conference sponsor. In today’s job market, literacy extends far beyond the ability to read and write. It includes understanding, communicating,
Grammar, Reading, and English
Author: Kay Carroll, Treasurer, Literacy Texas Board of Directors Literacy. What did it mean to me as a student? Grammar, reading, and English. Honestly, it was my most dreaded subject
Adult Literacy’s Crucial Links to a Thriving Workforce
Author: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas Executive Director When finding a solution to a complex issue, the Literacy Texas team often looks for what we call the SMIT, which