[AAACE-NLA] Education and literacy as a subordinate concept

[Debbie Yoho]

Hmmm.  I'm changing the title of this thread as we have diverged from the question of what kind of experience is needed among adult ed leaders.  But, maybe not...perhaps experience in one of the more "dominant" paradigms-- such as business savvy--could be a greater asset in an educational leader than direct professional participation in the adult ed field.  I am reminded that "the business of America is business".   Locally, we have some business leaders who are passionate for education--though not necessarily for adult ed--and I must say they are able to accomplish much for the wider community that I can't even attempt .  Perhaps the "subordination" of education and/or adult ed is natural if we think of our craft as empowering individuals, while other enterprises result in differences for large numbers of people.   Our culture certainly likes big numbers and impressive, large-scale examples of progress.  I find it ironic that I so often find myself advocating for the individual, because this is a hallmark of classic conservatism, and I shudder to think of myself in any way politically conservative.  Yet if I think of education as culturally subordinate to capitalism, I can make a compelling case to conservative leadership that their own values (individual initiative, freedom to pursue the American dream, etc.)  are nurtured best by education that opens doors of opportunity.  Once again, hmmmm....I think this has specific implications for advocacy.  

Deborah W. Yoho
Co-moderator, NIFL-Health Listserv
Past President, SC Adult Literacy Educators
Executive Director, Greater Columbia Literacy Council
2728 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205
803-765-2555 Fax 803-779-8417 dwyoho at earthlink.net
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