Resources for Adult Education and Literacy

Partnership with Texas Workforce Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission partnered with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to expand library engagement with local Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) providers over a 15-month period in 2016-17. The objectives of the project were:

Develop tools and resources
Facilitate training and technical assistance to libraries
Develop or expand library engagement with local AEL providers
Share best practices of AEL/library engagement in the state

This project formed one part of the larger TWC AEL Training, Resource and Innovation Network for Texas (TRAIN Tex) strategy, which supports professional development, relevant research, and capacity-building projects that can sustain and advance a robust system of AEL providers and workforce partners to accelerate the advancement of education and training priorities across the state. Coordination of service delivery with libraries is a part of the TWC AEL's Strategic Plan for 2015-2020.

Spring 2017 Workshops

TSLAC held ten regional, full-day training for librarians and adult education and literacy providers from January-May 2017. One hundred and ninety-seven people attended the training. There are no plans to schedule additional trainings at this time. Librarians and adult education and literacy providers interested in receiving materials distributed at the trainings are encouraged to contact TSLAC directly.

Digital Literacy Toolkit

Click here to access the Libraries & Literacy Digital Literacy Toolkit.

Other Digital Literacy Resources

Digital Learn is a project of the Public Library Association (PLA), and is available in English and Spanish.
GCFLearnFree, a project of the Goodwill Community Foundation, has a strong set of curriculum guides and is frequently updated with new courses.
The Colorado State Library's Library Learning & Creation Center offers online Technology Training for library staff with lesson plans, outlines, handouts, and activities for training the public.
The Microsoft Digital Literacy curriculum is available in many languages.
The Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment provides opportunities to assess existing computer and digital literacy skills before training.
DigitalLiteracy.gov is a national clearinghouse for digital literacy trainers and resources.
TechBoomers provides tutorials on the most popular and useful websites on the Internet, aimed at older audiences.
El Instituto Nacional para la Educación de los Adultos (INEA) and the Secretary of Public Education in Mexico offer Spanish-language digital literacy resources.
AulaFacil also offers Spanish-language computer classes.

Mini-Grant Program (Closed)

The Libraries and Literacy reimbursement grant program is now closed.

Connecting with AEL Providers

Looking for an adult literacy provider in your area? Visit the Directory of Literacy Providers, sponsored by TRAIN PD @ TCALL. You can also search by county or workforce board area.

Free Training for Adult Literacy Providers Available to Librarians!

TRAIN PD @ TCALL is the statewide Professional Development and Resource Center for Texas Adult Education and Literacy (AEL). Librarians providing adult education and literacy services may join the Texas Adult Education and Literacy PD (Professional Development) Portal, which provides free online training.

TRAIN PD @ TCALL is a project of the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning at Texas A&M University funded by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Adult Literacy Resources for Libraries

Literacy for All: Adult Literacy @ your library is a toolkit created by the American Library Association (ALA) for libraries wishing to establish or enhance adult literacy programming. You can download the toolkit for free, or purchase hard copies for a very small fee.
ProLiteracy and the ALA Office of Adult Literacy, Diversity and Outreach Services are promoting the National Library Literacy Action Agenda, a resource to help libraries implement processes for institutionalizing adult literacy initiatives.

Need More Information or Want to Share?

Do you know of other resources or best practices that we could share on this page? Contact us at ld@tsl.texas.gov or 512-463-5465.