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Literacy Texas is the statewide literacy coalition, connecting and equipping adult and family literacy programs through resources, training, networking and advocacy.
Our vision is that every literacy organization in Texas will have the resources it needs to help adults and families learn basic literacy skills, so that all people can participate fully in society.
Our theme this month is Family Literacy.
Connect with this theme:
- November newsletter, “title”
- Best of Texas: Family Literacy online discussion, November 21
- Theme of the Month on YouTube
The Heart of Learning: Family Literacy for a Brighter Tomorrow
“When I have the opportunity to talk with adult learners, I always ask about their “why.” They usually tell me it’s so that they can provide a better life for their children. These men and women are putting in hard work to forge a new pathway for the next generation. I understand that all too well…”
Read more of this post by our Executive Director, Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, on the LitTX blog.
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
View our calendar for symposia, annual conference, webinars, and other events.
Literacy Texas Blog: Literacy Transforms Texas
The Heart of Learning: Family Literacy for a Brighter Tomorrow
Author: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas Executive Director When I have the opportunity to talk with adult learners, I always ask about their “why.” They usually tell me it’s
Breaking the Stigma: Addressing Mental Health & Substance Use Within Health Literacy
Author: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas Executive Director My dad and I had a complicated relationship. I loved him, and I know he loved me, but his mental health
Just a teacher?
Author: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas Executive Director When I stopped working directly with students and transitioned into my first administrative position, I was surprised to find myself grieving
Help Families Achieve More with BurlingtonEnglish
This is a guest post from BurlingtonEnglish. You can visit them at the 2024 Literacy Texas Annual Conference. In today’s fast-paced world, where information is abundant and constantly evolving, the
The Dignity of Knowing What’s Going On
When you work in adult and family literacy, there are so many reasons to pay more than passing attention to the language you use. By definition, folks participating in our
Making the most of summer
In a few weeks, schools will dismiss for the summer, and it’s very likely that the temperature in Texas will not be the only thing rising during the coming season.