期刊名称：The Reading Matrix: an international online journal
印刷版ISSN：1533-242X
出版年度：2007
卷号：7
期号：01
出版社：Reading Matrix, Inc.
摘要：To understand the problem of illiteracy, a detailed review of the definitions of
literacy and illiteracy is in order. A full definition of these terms in the current print and
electronic context of adult American society in school and out of school, and for adult
learners of English as both a first and a second language is presented here. Strong,
explicit definitions can serve as the basis of recommendations for specific steps to
expand and improve the teaching of critical literacy in schools and colleges, in
community-based programs for basic education, and in second language learning
contexts. These steps include, first, a move toward Reading Across the Curriculum, not
only in higher education but also in K-12 public schools, community programs, adult
basic education and ESL programs. A second step should be for educators to connect
with librarians, newspapers and organizations like the Pew Charitable Trusts and the
National Institute for Literacy to address the problem of illiteracy. These steps and others
should be part of a widespread renewed focus on the kind of critical literacy described
here as the ability to read and write effectively, efficiently and critically is the linchpin in
full participation in a democratic society.
