Letter to the Editor Regarding Literacy in Turner County
Letter to the Editor: Wiregrass Farmer newspaper
Regarding Literacy and Adult Education in Turner County
Recently, an ABC News program stated that 7 million Americans are illiterate, 27 million are unable to read well enough to complete a job application and 30 million cannot read a simple sentence. In Georgia, the undereducated cost business and industry $2.1 billion annually. Our state’s low skill level presents the single greatest barrier to our economic prosperity.
Locally, how do we fare? Not so well. Of those 25 years of age or older, 1,846 do not have a high school diploma or equivalency. Of these residents, 602 have less than a ninth grade education. Such a large population of under-educated people creates challenges to economic growth. Without a literate and skilled workforce, desirable industry will bypass us. This is why Turner County must embrace literacy as a mantra for our economic well-being.
Several organizations work tirelessly to change these grim statistics. On the front line is Turner County School System. This year, TCHS was the only stand-alone 9-12 high school in our RESA to make AYP. The school significantly increased student achievement in mathematics last year by providing interventions during the school day for students who were struggling academically. These were conducted during an "activity period" where students who were doing well could participate in "fun," non-academic programs, while those struggling could get tutoring.
Additionally, the school began a credit recovery program to allow students who were more than a year behind to take credit recovery classes at the high school and career classes at MTC. Using this approach, students graduated who otherwise wouldn't have had that opportunity. Additionally, high school students practice for the High School Graduation Test on a web-based GHSGT preparation site.
Furthermore, last year's graduation rate was 75%, an increase from 69.8% in 2007 and 5% above the required AMO of 70% for AYP. To continue the gains, the school will offer new interventions with Classworks for struggling students this fall.
Superintendent Ray Jordan points out that “while we are excited about the progress we are making, we know we have much work to do in order to meet a bar that continues to rise.”
If a person is unable to complete high school, Moultrie Technical College’s Adult Education Program can help him or her prepare for the GED examination. Many enrollees are mature students who realize the need for basic skills training and high school credentials in order to improve their quality of life. During the past fiscal year, 145 Turner County adults 16 years of age or older enrolled in Adult Education classes and worked for a combined 16,908 hours of class time to improve their basic skills. Over half of those students showed progress by completing a level in their skills training.
Another group working to promote literacy is Turner County Connections. TCC strengthens families by teaching young mothers to read to their children and enhance their children’s education. TCC’s parenting workshops and volunteer programs support parents who want to do a better job with their children.
So, to answer the question: Are we becoming more literate? Yes, we are. Are we there yet? No. There is much yet to do.
The month of September is International Literacy Month. Every month, but especially during September, please take a minute to thank the many volunteers and professionals who work to educate our children and adults. Find a way to support literacy in Turner County. Go to the library and check out a book. Take it home and read it to your child. Tell your child that education is primo in your house. It’s the least you can do to change our world.
Liz Keith
Moultrie Technical College
Executive Director of Adult Education
