Literacy Levels

As I'm reading through Teaching Literacy for Love and Wisdom, I can't help but consider the literacy levels in our country. The IALSS- International Adult Literacy Skills Survey IALSS (2003) showed that 40% of Canadian adults (age 16-65)  are below the minimum level (3) required to function effectively in society! I find this statistic to be alarming, and am sure others with adequate literacy skills do too. As our professor shares with us children's literature, for me it is a reminder of the important role of family literacy in breaking these negative cycles. Family literacy programs (there are a lot offered in our province) are for some parents a means to begin engaging in literacy - for example, they might find the courage to take steps to improve their literacy skills, so they can read with their children, and be able to be actively engage in their child's education. Often a family literacy program offers them the encouragement and resources they need to begin this journey, which can only positively impact their child.  As future ELA teachers, I feel we cannot ignore this statistic, which focuses on 9 essential skills, especially with our knowledge-based economy. Considering our students have already progressed through the educational system to the high school level, how do we identify and help these students who are really struggling ( as is obvious, those with low literacy levels are absolute survivors with incredible coping skills)? One encouraging children's book is by local author Carey Rigby-Wilcox. She wrote My Mummy Couldn't Read, a true story of her experience of finishing school without learning this basic skill. Her life changed when she encountered the adult tutoring program at READ Saskatoon. She is now a children's author/illustrator with a number of books published. While her story is inspirational, I also believe it is an indictment of our educational system. How do these particular students who face a variety of issues(ie learning disabilities etc.) become competent readers and discover a love of literacy and the wisdom we can all gain from reading?