In Illinois, 1.2M people can’t read; Rock Valley College aims to help
In Illinois, 1.2M people can’t read; Rock Valley College aims to help MyStateline.com
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Adult Education Program at Rock Valley College
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — In Illinois, 1.2 million people lack basic literacy skills, limiting educational growth and job opportunities.
More than 36 million adults nationwide lack basic skills in reading, writing, and math.
Meeting the Demand for Adult Education
Rock Valley College is one of 72 education providers in the state offering programs to serve an increasing demand for adult education.
The Rock Valley College Adult Education Program offers classes online or in person to improve basic skills in reading, writing, and math.
The number of students in need of adult education is increasing in the Stateline area, says Tricia Wagner, director of adult education for the college.
“We have more students that are in need of the English language and we have more students that need or could benefit from an Illinois high school diploma,” said Wagner.
Program Offerings
The program offers the following classes:
- English as a second language classes
- Adult basic and secondary education (GED completion program)
A transition coordinator and college advisors are also available at the college to help students navigate the sometimes-tricky path to education beyond high school.
Investing in the Community
“Free classes are available to assist students in not only reaching these goals but in exploring college and careers plus gaining exposure and confidence of the many further achievements that are accessible through RVCs certificate and degree programs,” said Wagner.
By providing adult education, Rock Valley College is contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
“It really is making an investment into our whole community. You’re improving literacy components for our K-12, you’re improving the outcomes and what our students can actually access in life as far as jobs and achievements, and then you’re also assisting our entire community to be more economically healthy.”
Learn More
For more information about adult education programs and services at RVC, click here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy. | The number of adults lacking basic literacy skills in Illinois and nationwide. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. | The number of students in need of adult education in the Stateline area. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. | The number of students benefiting from adult education programs and gaining exposure to college and career opportunities. |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article discusses the lack of basic literacy skills among adults in Illinois and nationwide, which directly relates to the goal of achieving quality education (SDG 4). It also highlights the increasing demand for adult education and the need for improving outcomes and access to jobs and achievements, which aligns with the goal of decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
- Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
- Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
The article emphasizes the need to improve basic skills in reading, writing, and math for adults, which aligns with Target 4.6 of ensuring literacy and numeracy for a substantial proportion of adults. It also mentions the increasing number of students in need of adult education, indicating the importance of achieving Target 4.1 of providing quality education for all girls and boys. Additionally, the article highlights the availability of free classes to assist students in exploring college and careers, contributing to Target 8.6 of reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- The number of adults lacking basic literacy skills in Illinois and nationwide.
- The number of students in need of adult education in the Stateline area.
- The number of students benefiting from adult education programs and gaining exposure to college and career opportunities.
The article mentions that 1.2 million people in Illinois and 36 million adults nationwide lack basic literacy skills, indicating the number of adults lacking literacy as an indicator for measuring progress towards Target 4.6. It also states that the number of students in need of adult education is increasing in the Stateline area, which serves as an indicator for tracking progress towards Target 4.1. Additionally, the article highlights the availability of free classes to assist students in exploring college and careers, suggesting the number of students benefiting from these programs as an indicator for measuring progress towards Target 8.6.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy. | The number of adults lacking basic literacy skills in Illinois and nationwide. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. | The number of students in need of adult education in the Stateline area. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. | The number of students benefiting from adult education programs and gaining exposure to college and career opportunities. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: mystateline.com
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