Learning
Lab Needs Statement
When the
founders of the Learning Lab initiated
the development of this
community-based literacy education
program, they had a vision of what
the Learning Lab would be --- an
organization dedicated to helping
people
improve their ability to use printed,
numerical and written information
so
they and their families can achieve
lasting self-sufficiency. Through
a
succession of committed Board members,
compassionate and loyal
volunteers,
and an emphasis on individualized and
innovative instruction methods,
Learning
Lab has grown continually in the last
ten years in numbers of students
served
and program quality. Today, more than
300 students are enrolled annually
in
Adult Basic Skills, English Language
Learning, or Preschoolers & Parents
as
Partners Family Literacy classes.
While we
have helped over 1900 students since
opening in 1991, rapid population
growth and changes in the workforce
needs of business and industry in the
Treasure Valley continue to present challenges:
In 1996
it was reported by the Idaho State
Division of Vocational Education
that approximately 31 percent, or
102,300 of the estimated 330,000
adults
in the Boise region, have literacy
skills that are below adequacy in
prose,
arithmetic or documentation use.
Education
levels are closely linked with labor
force participation and ability
to
earn a livable wage. Nationally, only
58 percent of all adults ages 25-64
with
one to three years of high school were
employed (US Census Bureau: Dynamics
of Economic Well-Being: 1992-3,
released 1996). Workers who lack a
high school
diploma earn a mean monthly income of
$452, compared to $1,829 for those
with
a bachelor’s degree (National
Institute for Literacy).
Family
literacy education significantly
contributes to the resolution of
problems
such as poverty and school failure
that often persist through
generations. Researchers now confirm that the way parents
interact with and the experiences they
provide their children in the early years have
a big impact on a child’s emotional
development, learning abilities and how he or she
functions in life (I Am Your Child
Foundation).
This
trend has caused a tremendous unmet need
for basic education in
the most vulnerable segments of our
society such as:
Single
parents seeking to complete their GED’s
to help them earn a livable
wage as well as effectively support
their children’s educational progress.
I wanted
to get my GED because of my job and
because I thought I needed
it too. I am so glad that I came back to
school. I tell my 14 year old that he
is going to finish school. He said,
"I will Mom." My boys really
like me going
because I think it helps them to go.
--Jackie
Persons
who are employed yet in danger of losing
their jobs because their
basic skills aren’t high enough for
retraining.
I can
write a memo in just a few minutes now,
when it took sometimes an
hour or more to write before. Before, I
needed to set up a time so I could meet
with my boss and I could tell him what I
was doing or needed. Now I just send
him a memo and it does not take so much
of his time.
--Jack
Motivated
immigrants and refugees who are
determined to be contributing
members of our community.
In this
four months I’m attending classes I
can see how my vocabulary, my
written skills and my grammar improved. Most
important of all my conversation
improved a lot. I feel confident when I’m around
people. One of my goals is to help my
children when they go to school. I want to
understand and be understood.
--Mariam
The Board
of Directors of the Learning Lab has
approved a multi-goal
strategic plan to strengthen and expand
current programs, increase
collaborative outreach efforts and keep
the general community informed
about literacy issues and impacts.
The Lab
does not operate with deficits and has
always functioned within
a budget limited to projected annual
income. This income has come from
generous individuals, local corporations
and private foundations.
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