[GLC] (no subject)

Mon Sep 26 17:06:08 EDT 2005

Support the New York Bill of Rights for Adult Education

We all know and experience the uncertainty of funding for programs and classes in the field of adult education.    There have been many cuts in recent years, and only an organized national and local effort prevented major cuts by the Bush administration.   This year, there have already been cuts to Department of Youth and Community Development programs, and the ASHES Program for Out-of-School Youth (17-21 year olds) was cut by 70%, with only six sites left open.   The Department of Education lost nearly 50 classes and staff positions.   These cuts illustrate the un-solid ground we stand on.

    The Grassroots Literacy Coalition has put together a "New York Bill of Rights for Adult Education."   It is the product of input from many students and staff members in literacy programs, but is always open to improvement.   Our aim is to bring adult education into the public discussion, to our elected officials and to win broader funding to meet the needs of our people.   The New York Immigration Coalition, the Literacy Assistance Center, the UFT- Adult Education Chapter, VALUE (National Student Organization) and the Grassroots Literacy Coalition have endorsed the Bill of Rights for Adult Education.

The education of adults in our city is of vital importance, and we believe that this push for a Bill of Rights can play an important role in this fight.   We are taking the offensive to say what is needed, not only responding to the cuts that continue to be made.

We need your help - your ideas, your energy and your connections. 

A copy of the Bill of Rights is attached and enclosed.

You can help !

1. By contacting your city council representative and asking them to support the

New York Bill of Rights for Adult Education.   Councilwoman Letitia James 

has agreed to introduce the bill, and others are interested. 

Push your council member to support and fight for this bill. 

2. By asking your organization or program to endorse the Bill of Rights.

3. By reading the Bill of Rights to your students and asking them

to contact their city council representatives for support.

Together, we can make Adult Education the priority that it needs to be.

Please let us know what you can do to help.

Looking forward to working with you on this important project.

Sincerely,

David Greene

Calvin Miles

Grassroots Literacy Coalition

Constantine Harrison

Sam Santiago

Students of Adult Literacy United

  New York Bill of Rights for Adult Education

We believe that a sound basic education is necessary for all people, to enable them to participate to their potential as workers, family members, and citizens.  We therefore believe that all people, regardless of their age, have the right to a quality basic education. 

To ensure that right, 

·         An effective delivery system of adult basic education shall be instituted and maintained in the State. This system shall meet professional standards for high quality.

·         This system shall deliver instruction customized to the needs and interests of the adults it serves.  Services will include basic literacy, English as a second language, adult secondary education, computer training, and vocational education. 

·         Adult learners shall be included in decisions related to their education.  This shall include goal setting and program evaluation.

·         These educational services shall be free and accessible in terms of scheduling and location. 

·         Adult learners shall have access to testing, evaluation and accommodation for learning and/or other disabilities. 

·         Adult learners shall be informed about the education choices available to them. 

  a.. Adult learning sites shall be safe and healthy locations

  a.. Adult learners who do not speak English shall be provided with quality translation/interpretation services.

  a.. Adult learners shall have access to high quality child care, transportation, and social services, so that they may take full advantage of these learning opportunities.

  a.. The Department of Education, employers, unions, libraries, universities, community organizations, social service agencies, and other institutions shall be encouraged to implement adult education services. 

  a.. The First Amendment rights of adult students shall not be abridged, but instead encouraged and developed. 

  a.. The leadership development and organization of adult students shall be promoted in the interest of greater participation in civic society.

  a.. Public funds shall be appropriated to support that delivery system and thereby fulfill the constitutional mandate.

  a.. The New York Bill of Rights for Adult Education shall be read to and given to all new and enrolled students in literacy and adult education programs.

          The New York Bill of Rights for Adult Education is endorsed by The Grassroots Literacy Coalition, The New York Immigration Coalition, the United Federation of Teachers-Adult Education Chapter, VALUE - Voice for Adult Literacy United for Education,

and The Literacy Assistance Center.

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