literacy |ˈlidərəsēˈlitrəsē| noun. The ability to read and write (New Oxford American Dictionary).
Do you remember doing the EQAO test in Grade 9? That test is also known as the Numeracy Test. Why isn’t that a requirement for graduation? The OSSLT (Grade 10 Literacy Test) is a requirement for graduation. One often hears about literacy across the curriculum in educational circles, meaning that literacy is reinforced in all subject areas, not just in English class. That might look like your math, science, or geography teacher marking your assignment for spelling and grammar, just as much as your English teacher would. In fact, English, more than any other subject, is required all four years of high school. It is clear that literacy is a highly valued part of our society.
There is often a bias associated with those who have accents, as being less or more intelligent and capable, depending on the type of accent. Does that mean that someone with an English accent is more intelligent or capable than someone with a South American Spanish accent or a Caribbean or West Indian accent? In some cases, English may not be their first language. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with that. It is said that English is one of the most difficult languages to learn, likely due to the various languages it takes from. The other difficulty may stem from the fact that there are many rules in English and many exceptions to those rules. Then there are the homonyms and homophones that can be confusing. Regardless of people’s perceptions based on the way we all speak, having command over a language can always help overturn some biases and perceptions. Regardless of whatever language one is learning, there is always a greater chance of success of being literate in that language if they are already literate in their first language.
Consider the purposes of being literate. Why is it so important? What are some practical applications of one’s literacy skills? How often must one read daily in order to maintain and improve literacy? How about writing? What level of reading and writing is required daily to maintain and improve literacy? Where and how are these skills used most? What kinds of jobs use literacy skills? How is communication affected if one is literate or not?
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