Literacy
Children looking at books at Read Across Oklahoma
“Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life, is essential to development and health, and opens the way for democratic participation and active citizenship.”
– Kofi Annan, seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations
Literacy—The ability to understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute using printed and written materials. A continuum of learning that enables individuals to achieve goals, develop knowledge and potential, and participate fully in society. (from the United National Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization)
As our world relies more and more on technology, and society is bombarded with text in a wide array of formats, the ability to read is more critical than ever. Children who fall behind when learning to read often become adults with literacy problems. Learning to read as an adult can be a challenging process due to work, family, and other pressing commitment—however, the rewards can be life changing. As one adult learner wrote, “I’ve changed for the better and I’ve come a long way. I read with confidence. I feel better about myself. I see myself as a different person, still being challenged, but now working through it, not running away like before.”
ODL partners with libraries, non-profits and other organizations across Oklahoma to promote literacy.
The mission of the ODL's Literacy Resource Office is to provide leadership, resources, training, and information to Oklahoma’s library and community-based literacy network.
The Oklahoma Department of Libraries has championed the cause of adult literacy since 1983. ODL’s Literacy Resource Office (LRO) provides resources, leadership, and technical assistance to library and community-based literacy programs throughout the state. Additionally, LRO coordinates several statewide literacy initiatives.
Proud Member of Oklahoma Literacy Coalition and ProLiteracy.
Leslie Gelders
Literacy Administrator
Leslie brings more than thirty years of experience to the Literacy Resource Office (LRO) as a tutor, trainer, program developer, and public speaker. Over the years she has served on state and national literacy task forces, committees, advisory boards, and steering committees, including three terms as president of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. Leslie is responsible for federal literacy projects, and oversees a statewide health literacy project. She offers technical assistance to literacy boards, program directors, and trainers. Her skills in developing partnerships and her success in grant writing benefit literacy programs throughout Oklahoma.
Rebecca Barker
Coordinator, Grants and English Language Learning (ELL)
Rebecca’s responsibilities for literacy grants funded by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries include coordinating the process, reviewing reports, and offering technical assistance. She also oversees ELL activities by arranging training and identifying resources, and coordinates a citizenship and immigration program. With previous experience as a local literacy program director, Rebecca has first-hand knowledge of local needs and challenges. She is a trainer, public speaker, and editor of LRO publications including Celebrating Our Journey, a collection of stories written by adult learners. Rebecca represents the Literacy Resource Office on the board of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition where she previously served as president.
March
March 2: Read Across America Day
April
Read Across Oklahoma
Annual Observance of National Financial Literacy Month
Adult Education & Family Literacy Week
National Volunteer Week
September
Annual Observance of National Literacy Month
September 8: Annual Observance International Literacy Day
October
Annual Observance of Health Literacy Month
Annual Observance of LD Awareness Month
November
Annual Observance of Family Literacy Month
November 1: National Family Literacy Day
Oklahoma Links
- Find your local literacy program
- Oklahoma Literacy Coalition
- Oklahoma City Metro Literacy Coalition
- High School Equivalency Testing
- Oklahoma Educational Indicators Program
- Oklahoma State Assessment of Adult Literacy 2003 (PDF)
- Learning Disabilities Association of America
- Oklahoma HiSET Exam Requirements
National Links
- GED Testing Service
- International Literacy Association
- National Center for Families Learning
- Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC)
- ProLiteracy
- U.S. Department of Education
- Voice of Adult Learners United to Educate (VALUE)
ESL/ ELL/ Citizenship
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- USA Learns Citizenship
- Activities for ESL/EFL Students
- Dave's ESL Cafe—Resources for ESL tutors and students
- English As 2nd Language
- Interesting Things for ESL Students
Instructional Resources for Tutors
Technology Tips
Miscellaneous
- LD Online— The interactive guide for learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and children
To contact staff of the Literacy Resource Office, go to ODL's Office & Staff Listing.
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