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Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

How can I keep up to date with what’s happening at local and national level to develop adult literacies in Scotland?

Answer:

The Glasgow's Learning website will continue to update you on news and events. And you can also sign up for our monthly e-bulletin which will keep you up to date on what's happening in Glasgow and across the rest of Scotland.

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Question:

How does literacy in Scotland compare with other countries?

Answer:

The International Adult Literacy Study (IALS) in 1996 compared the literacy skills of adults in 25 countries including Australia, Belguim, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.

When all the participating countries are ranked in order of literacy levels, the UK is shown as being in the lower end of the range. This suggests that Scotland would also be in this range.

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Question:

How is adult literacy measured?

Answer:

Literacy can be measured in a number of different ways. Standardised reading and spelling tests will give an indication of general ability, but they can't reflect the variety of contexts in which an adult uses literacy skills.

In Scotland the learner is at the centre, taking account of the individual adult's lifestyle, employment, interests and aspirations. This is known as the social practice model.

To determine the literacy skills of adults in the UK, the 1997 Adult Literacy Survey used test items that were designed to resemble everyday life.

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Question:

How many adults need help with literacy and numeracy in Scotland?

Answer:

Research has highlighted that 800,000 adults or around 23% of Scottish adults have low levels of literacy and/or numeracy skills. Whilst it is important to realise that this does not mean that this number cannot read or write at all, it means that their skills level does not allow them to cope with the demands of living and working in Scotland today.

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Question:

How many people in Scotland have low literacy and numeracy skills?

Answer:

Very few adults in Scotland cannot read or write. However the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) of 1996 indicated that 23% of the Scottish population, around 800,000 adults perform at the lowest level of a 5-point scalre measuring literacy and a similar proportion perform at the lowest level on numeracy measures.

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Question:

If you have literacy and numeracy problems does it mean that you have learning disabilities?

Answer:

Not necessarily. Some people missed out at school due to ill health, difficult family circumstances or disrupted education. Others have lost skills they once had through lack of any opportunity to use them or because of lack of confidence.

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Question:

Shouldn't we concentrate on young people, instead of people who have already had their chance to learn?

Answer:

There are already a number of government initiatives with specific performance targets in schools to improve standards of literacy and numeracy. The role of parents is also seen as critical in developing literacy in young people, especially at the pre-school and early primary stage. However there is a need nationally to give everyone an opportunity to get skills needed for employment. It is also essential that those already in work have the skills to develop new specialist IT skills and the personal skills which globalisation is making increasingly necessary.

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Question:

What do people mean when they use the term ‘adult literacies’ ?

Answer:

There has been a great deal of debate over the most appropriate terminology that should be used. Previously, terms such as Basic Skills and Essential Skills have been used.

In Scotland, the term "Adult Literacies" or "Adult Literacy and Numeracy" is being used to encompass the following definition: "The ability to read and write and use numeracy, to handle information, to express ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, as family members, workers, citizens and lifelong learners."

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Question:

What is being done by the Scottish Executive to improve people’s literacy and numeracy skills?

Answer:

Following the Adult Literacy and Numeracy in Scotland (ALNIS) 2001, funding was allocated to national and local initiatives to raise awareness and develop adult literacies learning provision. At national level, this is supported through Learning Connections. In local areas, this is supported by Action Plan Partnerships. In Glasgow, the Glasgow Community Learning Strategy Partnership has formed an Action Plan Subgroup to work with partners on the topic of adult literacy and numeracy.

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Question:

What is International Literacy Day?

Answer:

UNESCO has designated the 8th September as International Literacy Day. The aim of International Literacy Day is to raise literacy awareness throughout the world. Many international organisations arrange events to coincide with this date.

Keep checking the Glasgow's Learning website to find out what's happening across the city.

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Question:

What should I do if someone I know is having problems with literacy or numeracy?

Answer:

Reassure them that they are not alone. Make sure they are aware that there are learning programmes designed to meet their needs, whether they want to improve their reading, writing or number skills. Help them find out what is available locally by accessing the local providers section on this website, or phoning the freephone Glasgow's Learning helpline on 0800 027 6402. It often takes time to take the first steps back into learning so do not rush them, but give them any encouragement and support they need. It is never too late to learn.

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Question:

What’s happening in the Glasgow area?

Answer:

The Glasgow Adult Literacy and Numeracy Initiative, under the banner of Glasgow's Learning is taking forward the tasks outlined in the Action Plan including, improving the scope and quality of learning opportunities offered across the city; marketing and promotion; staff development and training; strategic management and support for local learning providers.

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Question:

Who is the adult literacies learning provision aimed at?

Answer:

 

Help is available for anyone over 16 who lives, works or studies in Glasgow and who could benefit from some help with their reading, writing or numbers.

The Scottish Executive has identified particular target groups who are most likely to benefit from developing their skills, and these are included in the overall planning to meet the needs of people in Glasgow.

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Question:

Why is there so much interest in adult literacies at the moment?

Answer:

 

There is a strong tradition of providing learning and support for adults who have low literacy and numeracy skills. In recent years, a number of things have come together to place a greater focus on developing adult literacies levels, such as:

  • Scottish Executive policies to address issues such as social justice, economic development and lifelong learning
  • Concerns about Scotland's position in international literacy and numeracy leagues
  • Initiatives to improve equality of access to learning and teaching
It is estimated that the cost of low levels of literacy and numeracy to the Scottish Economy is £500 million.

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Question:

Why should we support literacy and numeracy?

Answer:

It is widely recognised that basic literacyand numeracy skills are central to the prosperity and welfare of our society. Scotland needs to improve the skills of those currently at work in order to be able to compete in the world market. But literacy affects more than just the country's prosperity and individual job prospects. People need to be literate in order to participate fully as members of society, as parents, and to lead fulfilling lives. In a time of rapid change, the demands on individual literacy and numeracy skills are likely to increase rather than reduce.

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