For the past seven months, four students from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service worked with Literacy Action of Central Arkansas (LACA) to gather perceptions on the need for English as a Second Language (ESL) programming in the region.
Jennifer Guzman of Hialeah, Fla., Amanda Mathies of Newport Beach, Calif., Michelle Perez of Maracaibo, Venezuela, and Nic Williams of Judsonia, Ark., administered questionnaires targeted toward local business and community leaders to determine the level of English proficiency needed from potential employees. The study revealed that 78% of local business and community leaders surveyed considered ESL services as “very important” to Central Arkansas.
The research also included conversations with non-native English speakers to determine their ESL needs, highlighting an overwhelming sentiment that a lack of English skills negatively affects their job prospects, access to healthcare, and involvement in the community.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Arkansas is one of the six states with the highest growing rates for adults with limited English proficiency. Central Arkansas has experienced an increased demand in ESL services, and Literacy Action plans to develop an ESL curriculum based on the needs of business leaders, community leaders, and non-native English speakers in the area.
“An ESL program would not only benefit the non-English speaking community but would also benefit the central Arkansas society as a whole,” said Sara Drew, executive director of Literacy Action. “We know how critical it is to provide literacy training for both community leaders and immigrants in the workforce.”
About Literacy Action of Central Arkansas
Literacy Action of Central Arkansas is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the mission of building a community of empowered adults by teaching reading and writing skills. Resources and revenue, generated through fundraisers, community partnerships, and grants are used to fund these critical programs for Arkansas.
More information about LACA as is available at www.literacylittlerock.org
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