International Literacy Day

If I was better at reading my work email I would have discovered that yesterday was International Literacy Day. Until this morning I did not even know there was an International Literacy Day. 

Here are some factoids provided by our Diversity Development Specialist

Minnesota Literacy Facts

Courtesy of De. Barry Shaffer, Minnesota State Director of Adult Education

The number of high school dropouts has increased from 8,780 (2.5%) in 1985 to 14,325 (5.7%) in 2000. The minority dropout rate was 13% (4,979) in 2000 - Minnesota Department of Education

There are 624,250 people 16 and over who lack high school equivalency and are not enrolled in school. - 2000 U.S. Census

42% of the current MFIP (Minnesota public assistance) caseload do not have a high school degree or the equivalent. Many participants who have completed a high school education have reading and math abilities far below the 12th grade level. It is often difficult for this group to find and retain jobs.

Ten percent (388,074) of Minnesotans over 18 years old lack high school equivalency (2006 American Community Survey of the US Census). The percent of adults without high school equivalency varies by ethnic groups: Hispanic - 40%, Native American - 37%, Black - 21%, Asian - 14%, White - 13%. 

The average annual per pupil cost for ABE is $500. If Minnesota high schools had no dropouts, the state K-12 budget would require $50 million more per year (10,000 dropouts x $5000 per year). Given this differential cost per learner, ABE is a highly cost-effective "safety net" for dropouts. - Minnesota Department of Education

One out of every 11 diplomas issued in Minnesota during 2003 was a GED or Adult High School Diploma. -Minnesota Department of Education

There are about 80,000 adults enrolled in adult literacy programs around the state each year. These learners are served at about 500 adult literacy sites by more than 1,100 licensed instructors and almost 4000 volunteers. -Minnesota Department of Education

It makes me wonder if this has anything to do with the "no child left behind" program?