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ConferenceFirst U.S. Conference on Adult Basic Education and Literacy Seeks Solutions for Adult Literacy Crisis March 10, 2010, Syracuse, N.Y. — ProLiteracy, the world's largest organization of adult basic education and literacy programs, and the Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE) have announced a prestigious lineup of national speakers for their first-ever joint national conference, "Coming Together in Chicago," March 16–19 at the Chicago Hilton. More than 1,500 education experts; political leaders, including representatives from the Obama administration; and adult learners will convene to discuss strategies to address funding shortages, increase collaborations and share best practices as the demand for services and support continues to increase across the country. An estimated one in seven American adults lacks basic literacy skills, according to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy. The conference will feature prominent speakers and advocates who will draw attention to America's expanding adult literacy crisis, including: - Brenda Dann-Messier, Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education
- Jane Oates, Assistant Secretary of the Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
- Byron Pitts, Chief National Correspondent for the CBS Evening News, "60 Minutes" contributor, author and champion of personal literacy struggles
- Scott Simon, NPR Weekend Edition Saturday host, author and adult literacy advocate
- David Harvey, President and CEO, ProLiteracy
"This inaugural joint conference marks a historic milestone in adult education, when we bring together top political and industry advocates to try to open America's eyes to the crisis of adult literacy, which affects 32 million adults and their families," said David C. Harvey, president and CEO of ProLiteracy. "ProLiteracy's member programs have seen severe funding cuts this past year, while at the same time being contacted by increasing numbers of adults in need of basic education assistance to gain employment and be competitive in today's challenging economic climate. We want to bring greater national attention to these issues, and we anticipate that convening this conference will be a step to move us in the right direction." The conference, which is also being hosted by the Illinois Adult Education Professional Association (IACEA), will also cover pressing issues including family literacy, GED preparation, English-as-a-Second Language (ESL), workforce development and other topics vital to adult education. The conference will also honor ProLiteracy's national award winners, recognizing the top students, volunteers and programs from within ProLiteracy's 1,200-member network. This year's awards and winners include: - Ruth J. Colvin and Frank C. Laubach Award for Excellence in Individual Achievement: Anna Zubkova, Houston, TX;
- Ruth J. Colvin and Frank C. Laubach Award for Student Excellence: Milton Whitley, Rockville, MD; and
- ProLiteracy Award for U.S. Program Innovation: Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services, Milwaukee, WI.
For more information on the "Coming Together in Chicago" conference, visit www.coabeproliteracy2010.org.
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