Improving
literacy skills for life success
For Release: November 2, 2001
(Wolfville,
NS) - Communication
and literacy skills provide the foundation for effective social
functioning and for academic, occupational/economic and life
success. This is why the Canadian Language and Literacy Research
Network (CLLRNet), part of the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE)
of Canada, have engaged two Acadia professors in research programs.
Dr.
Sonya Symons, Chair of the Acadia University Psychology Department,
and Dr. Derrick Bourassa, also a member of the Acadia Psychology
Department, have been placed to assist the CLLRNet with its $14.2
million award to improve the language and literacy skills of young
Canadians and ensure children are better equipped to function in
school and later as adults.
"The
financial support of this network is an exciting opportunity to
bring together researchers from many disciplines to address one of
the most important issues facing Canadian society. This
network will improve our understanding of the best ways to improve
reading and writing instruction and how technology might be used to
support literacy development," says Dr. Symons.
When
children fail to develop good language and reading skills there are
a range of profound and enduring consequences; including academic
failure, poor psychosocial development and reduced self-esteem. All
of these limit the opportunities for lifelong success. Good language
and literacy skills are also essential to the economy. An
overwhelming number of employers state that their top three employee
requirements are good communications skills, the ability to learn
and literacy. Unfortunately, recent Statistics Canada reports
indicate that more that 20% of Canadian high school graduates lack
the literacy skills needed for entry-level jobs. Another 25% of
Canadians can only read simple printed materials.
Dr.
Symons will be working on a project entitled "Enhancing
Computer Literacy in Early Childhood" and Dr. Bourassa will be
involved with a project called "Efficacy Research With Special
Populations: Interventions Designed to Impact Literacy Skills."
Based at the University of Western Ontario, CLLRNet will combine the
expertise of researchers from 21 universities across Canada to
improve language and literacy skills. The focus will be on children,
so that improvements occur early in life and allow academic, social,
economic and personal benefits to accrue over a lifetime.
The
NCE of Canada creates unique partnerships among industry,
universities and government. These nationwide networks develop
innovative research programs to address critical economic and
quality of life issues and put this new knowledge to effective use.
The NCE programs are recognized internationally for research
excellence in areas of strategic importance to Canada.
Six
Acadia faculty are involved in the research programs of the NCE
which were announced last spring by Canada's Industry Minister, the
Honourable Brian Tobin. Acadia is proud to be a part of these
important research developments that affect the lives of Canadians.
-30-
For more information contact:
Sheri Woodland
Communications Manager
Office of Public Affairs
Acadia University
(902) 585-1362
Acadia
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