DEVELOPING ADOLESCENT LITERACY

Developing Adolescent Literacy in Urban Schools

Developing Adolescent Literacy in Urban Schools

Introduction

Literacy is a term that is often used to indicate a person's success in the pursuit of his career and also the quality of his life. One of the commonest definitions of literacy that we find is that literacy is the ability to read and write sensibly. However it is more than that. Literacy is basically the way in which Adolescent use the written information to function in the society. Literacy gives sense and meaning to life and enables the individuals to live purposefully. It enables the Adolescent to make correct sue of his life and achieves that goals that he aspires (MacIver, Young et al, 2001). Therefore is we possess good literacy skill, it is likely that we will be having a sound education background, a good job, decent earning source, and an access to opportunities of training and direction. Adolescent who are illiterate are more likely to be unemployed and unproductive for the country or if by chance they get a job somewhere, they are either low-paid or face unsuitable working conditions. Therefore literacy is more focused in the urban schools where Adolescents are encouraged to get literate and make their future career.

In the recent times, the definition and meaning of literacy has undergone numerous transformations. Literacy now withholds dynamic socio cultural aspects and considered as a task that requires effort and toil. As time changes, literacy skills become vaster and hence acquiring a desired literacy level is often a complex and complicated task for a majority of people around the world (Delpit, 1990).

This paper will be discussing the Teacher's Characteristics that help educate urban Adolescents in urban schools, emotional barriers that are attached to them, and parent's involvement can make a difference in developing adolescent literacy in urban schools. There are many issues involve while an Adolescent is studying in urban school. These issues must be corrected in order to develop quality literacy in adolescent.

Statement of the Issue

To study the development of literacy for adolescent in urban school is necessary to learn as today's youth has a determination power of learning and understanding. In a recent speech regarding Reform, President Obama made the following points:

Good jobs and good careers will demand a good education and advanced training

Many as a quarter of a million are not finishing high school

Key to a good economy is one that produces college students.

Responsibility begins in the homes (self confidence, self discipline, structure and value systems)

The world is competitive. No one is going to hand success to our children

Better standards should be set and students need to be ready for college

Some of the best teachers should teach at some of the worst schools

A method of measuring educational results is flawed.

Our urban adolescents will soon graduate and join the workforce. Therefore to ensure equality in education, the urban schools must be addressed. We cannot treat teaching children like it is a business as usual ...