The Impact of COVID-19 on NYC Adult Literacy Programs and Students
July 9, 2020 – The Literacy Assistance Center (LAC) has released a new report on “The Impact of COVID-19 on NYC Adult Literacy Programs and Students,” based on findings from a survey the LAC conducted in May 2020 of adult education program staff in New York City. The report outlines the effects of COVID-19 on literacy programs and adult students, the emergency transition to remote learning, key barriers and needed supports, and the outlook for the field as the pandemic continues.
Adult students are struggling with job and income loss, homeschooling, food and housing insecurity, caring for family members, and risks as essential workers – and these issues are exacerbated by limited reading, writing, English language, and/or digital literacy skills. Lack of access to hardware and reliable internet is a major barrier to remote education. If addressed, programs see opportunities to incorporate remote learning to serve more students at a time of increased need and demand. Staff need more training and support, and programs need sustained public funding with flexibility to adapt to the new reality. Read full report here: https://bit.ly/COVID19ImpactAdultEdu |