Why is health an important issue for ESL literacy programs?
• In a National Survey of State Directors of Adult Education, priority ratings were given to health within the context of adult learning. (Source: National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy Report #9) • Participants in ESL literacy classes are members of families and communities who can act as effective channels for health promotion among people in low income and minority populations. (Source: National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy Report #9) • As parents, health issues are of vital importance to adults and may help provide motivation for learning basic literacy and communication skills. (Source: National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy Report #9) Health issues create attendance problems as well as academic performance problems in adult education programs. In many cases, adult learners miss classes due to sick children or other family members. Thus, better health contributes to the retention of ESL learners in adult education
