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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
19-299
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
September 19, 2012
To recognize the fundamental role adult literacy plays in the success of the District of Columbia and to join communities across the country to declare the week of September 10, 2012 through September 16, 2012 as “Adult Education and Family Literacy Week” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Education estimates that nearly 20% of adult District residents lack the basic literacy skills they need to succeed at home, in the workplace, and in society;
WHEREAS, the literacy of its citizens is essential for the economic well-being of the District of Columbia, our society, and the individuals who can benefit from full participation therein;
WHEREAS, literacy and education skills are a prerequisite to individuals reaping the full benefit of opportunities in the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, unemployment rates are highest among those without a high school diploma or equivalent credential, indicating that education is key to economic recovery;
WHEREAS, our city reaps the economic benefits of those who raise their literacy, numeracy, and English language skills;
WHEREAS, the education skills of parents and reading to children have a direct impact on the educational success of their children;
WHEREAS, parental involvement is a key predictor of a child’s success, the level of parental involvement increases as the education level of the parent increases;
WHEREAS, parents in family literacy programs become more involved in their children’s education and gain the tools necessary to obtain a job or find better employment;
WHEREAS, as a result, children’s lives become more stable, and success in the classroom, and in all future endeavors, becomes more likely;
WHEREAS, studies show that two important factors that influence student achievement are the parents’ education level and poverty in the home, it is clear that adults must be part of the learning equation in order to successfully overcome the District’s education challenges;
WHEREAS, many older people in the United States lack the reading, math, or English skills to read a prescription and follow medical instructions, endangering their lives and the lives of their loved ones;
WHEREAS, many individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or receive public assistance lack the literacy skills to obtain and keep a job with a family-sustaining income, continue their education, or participate in job training programs;
WHEREAS, many who do not complete high school do not have the literacy skills to complete their education, transition to postsecondary education or vocational training, or become employed;
WHEREAS, a large portion of those in prison have low educational skills, and prisoners without skills are more likely to return to prison once released;
WHEREAS, many of our immigrants do not have the literacy skills to succeed in their new home country; and
WHEREAS, Adult Education and Family Literacy week highlights the need to support efforts to ensure each and every citizen has the necessary literacy skills to succeed at home, at work, and in society.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Adult Education and Family Literacy Week Declaration Resolution of 2012”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the fundamental role adult literacy plays in the success of our District and declares the week of September 10, 2012 through September 16, 2012 as “Adult Education and Family Literacy Week” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
