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You can search the library's catalogue for books, CDs and audio or video tapes to help you with reading, writing, math skills and learning English. We also have material for tutors. Try searching under these subjects: Adult education teachers English language -- Instruction and study English language -- Self instruction English language -- Study and teaching English language -- Textbooks for foreign speakers General educational development tests (GED examination materials) High interest-low vocabulary books Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL examination materials) Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC examination materials) Tutors and tutoring Most of these library materials may be found in the A.B.E./E.S.L. collections at the Main (Frances Morrison), Carlyle King and Mayfair libraries. For more information on literacy and English as a Second Language resources at the Saskatoon Public Library, look at Literacy Services at the Saskatoon Public Library or call the Literacy Librarian at 975-7563. Literacy Information Information about literacy can be found on the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD). NALD provides a database of adult literacy programs, resources, services and activities across Canada. It also links with other services and databases in North America and overseas. Literacy Statistics The most recent statistics on literacy in Canada and Saskatchewan were released by Statistics Canada in November 2005. The 2003 International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS) tested more than 23,000 Canadians on their proficiency in four domains: prose literacy, document literacy, numeracy and problem-solving. Proficiency was rated on the basis of levels one to five, that is, lowest to highest. About two in five adults aged 16 to 65 score below desired threshold The ability to use and understand information is fundamental to daily life at work, at home and in the community. Among adults aged 16 to 65, about 9 million, or 42% scored below Level 3 in prose literacy - the desired threshold for coping with the increasing skill demands of a knowledge society. Little change in literacy proficiency between 1994 and 2003 These findings were similar to those of the 1994 International Adult Literacy Survey, the world's first internationally comparative survey of adult skills. Contrary to expectations, the 2003 IALSS found little improvement in the overall literacy of adult Canadians since they were assessed a decade ago. In both years, about two in five 16 to 65 year olds scored below Level 3 in prose literacy. The most recent statistics on literacy in the United States are similar to those in Canada. In December 2005, the National Centre for Education Statistics released A First Look at the Literacy of America's Adults in the 21st Century. Government and Literacy Information on the federal government's policy on literacy can be found in a report produced by the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Literacy and Essential Skills. This report, Towards a Fully Literate Canada, was released in November 2005. On Sept, 25, 2006 the Treasury Board of Canada released a detailed list of program cuts in order to meet debt reduction targets. The release outlines four areas where cuts have been made: programs that were not providing good value for money, unused funds, efficiency saving by streamlining programs, and non-core programs. This announcement includes a $17.7 million cut to the Adult Learning and Literacy Skills Program, $55.4 million cut for youth employment programs and a $17.6 cut for the Workplace Skills Strategy. Literacy organizations across Canada have responded to news of the funding cuts: Saskatchewan Literacy Network ABC CANADA On February 8, 2007 a brief regarding literacy and its funding in Canada was presented to the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Literacy in Saskatchewan is administered through the Programs Branch of Saskatchewan Learning. In 2005, the Government of Saskatchewan established the Saskatchewan Literacy Commission and began the SaskSmart Literacy for Life initiative. Adult Basic Education programs in Saskatchewan are administered through Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Employment. GED (General Education Development) Tests Information on the GED tests and how to write them is available through Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Employment. SIAST Kelsey Campus offers courses to help you prepare for the GED tests and schedules the tests through out the year. For information on GED preparation courses and when the tests are held, check pages 5-6 of the SIAST Kelsey Campus Extension Calendar. Print copies of the calendars are available at the library. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Tests The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be taken as a paper based, computer based or internet based examination. In Saskatoon, Sylvan Testing Centre offers the internet based TOEFL® iBT test on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. You must register in advance for the test. You can register online for the TOEFL test. Testing Location: Sylvan Testing Centre 407 1st Avenue North Saskatoon, SK S7K 1X5 (306) 978-7323 Practice Sites These are just a few of the free sites on the internet to help you practice your English, math, grammar and spelling. English Dave's ESL Cafe English for Everybody Interesting Things for ESL Students Math Math Basics Math Resources by Subject (Math Forum) Mathematics (Quia) Grammar & Spelling Common Errors in English HyperGrammar Are you looking for free help with your reading and writing? Try contacting: READ Saskatoon delivers free literacy tutoring to adults who are over 18 and who are out of school. #304 1114 22nd St. W. Saskatoon, SK S7M 0S5 Phone: (306) 652-5448 Are you looking for help with your English skills? Try contacting : Saskatoon Open Door Society offers services to immigrants and refugees in Saskatoon. 247 1st Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK S7K 1X2 Phone: (306) 653-4464 Global Gathering Place is a drop-in center for immigrants and refugees in Saskatoon. #307 506 25th Street E.. Saskatoon, SK S7K 4A7 Phone: (306) 665-0268 For information on other literacy and English programs in try the Saskatchewan Literacy Network's database of literacy programs. Homework Help for Teens This guide was last updated September 2006.

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