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The best information we have now is a promise and perhaps a plan. Let's examine some of the things President Obama has said on the issue.

"We have services in place that have been partially successful in addressing the problem and are cost-effective as well, and I would support these programs as president. Federal funding for adult education services through the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act is just over $560 million annually. Along with state funding, these sources provide adult education services to approximately 2.7 million adults each year. New Hampshire provides these adult education services to approximately 8,000 adults each year. At a cost of approximately $575 per student each year, this program is highly cost-effective, particularly in light of the number of students becoming employed and the reductions in those who have to rely on ongoing government supports like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The Office of Management and Budget rated the adult education program as one of only four "effective" Department of Education Programs out of 89 that were considered. We need to build on its success, and as president, I would do this.

We have to provide struggling adults the opportunity to succeed, and adult education is a crucial part of this. I will make adult education a priority. "

He is president now and there are some that are counting on him to make it a major priority. ProLiteracy is the largest organization of adult literacy and basic education programs. David C. Harvey is the president of ProLiteracy and he is asking a lot of the new administration. He points out that none of the money earmarked in stimulus package is assigned to helping train and teach low literate adults. These may be the group that needs a great deal of help.

Is it a real problem? The United State Department of Education report estimates that 32 million adults in the United State don't read well enough to complete a job application without help. That sounds like a problem. It's hard to get the job if you can't apply.

Chances are that most of the people who would benefit from any programs won't be looking at this article. So whose job is it to make sure our new President follows through on the campaign promise? Perhaps the real answer goes back to our neighborhoods. We can volunteer our time. We can use our libraries. We can become mentors. Or we can on the side lines and hope that he meant what he said and does what he meansa and gets help from other sources. Even if his intentions are good the chances are that two wars and the economy may take presidance. How about we drop him a note to remind him and volunteer to be a part of the solution?

Reference:

http://www. litpresident.org/barackobama.h tml

http://www.proliteracy.org/Net Community/Page.aspx?pid=524&srcid=191

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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