[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 385 Introduced in House (IH)]

112th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 385

 Expressing support for designation of the week of September 12, 2011, 
         as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             August 1, 2011

  Mr. Polis (for himself, Mr. Sarbanes, Ms. Norton, and Mr. McIntyre) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                     on Education and the Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Expressing support for designation of the week of September 12, 2011, 
         as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.

Whereas the literacy of its citizens is essential for the economic well-being of 
        the United States, 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 United States;
Whereas the economy and our position in the world marketplace depend on having a 
        literate, skilled population;
Whereas the Nation's unemployment rates are highest among those without a high 
        school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) credential, 
        indicating that education is key to economic recovery;
Whereas our Nation reaps the economic benefits of those who raise their 
        literacy, numeracy, and English language skills;
Whereas our Nation needs older adults to reenter the education pipeline and 
        transition to college if we are to meet the President's goal of the 
        highest proportion of college graduates by 2020 and if we are to be 
        internationally competitive by 2025;
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 mother's education level and poverty in the home, it 
        is clear that if adults are not part of the learning equation, then 
        there is no long-term solution to our Nation'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 high school dropouts 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 Nation's immigrants do not have the literacy skills to 
        succeed in their new home country;
Whereas the National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports that 90,000,000 adults 
        lack the literacy, numeracy, or English language skills to succeed at 
        home, in the workplace, and in society;
Whereas National Adult Education and Family Literacy week highlights the need 
        for our government to support efforts to ensure each and every citizen 
        has the necessary literacy skills to succeed at home, at work, and in 
        society; and
Whereas the week of September 12, 2011, would be an appropriate date to 
        designate as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of National Adult Education 
        and Family Literacy Week, including raising public awareness 
        about the importance of adult education and family literacy;
            (2) encourages people across the United States to support 
        programs to assist those in need of adult education and family 
        literacy programs; and
            (3) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        recognizing the importance of adult education and family 
        literacy programs, calling upon the Federal Government, States, 
        localities, schools, libraries, nonprofit organizations, 
        community-based organizations, consumer advocates, institutions 
        of higher education, labor unions, and businesses to support 
        increased access to adult education and family literacy 
        programs to ensure a literate society.
                                 <all>