H. Res. 707 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

October 6, 2009. 

Whereas the literacy of its citizens is essential for the economic well-being of the United States, our society, and 

the individuals who can benefit from full participation 

therein; 

Whereas literacy and education skills are a prerequisite to individuals reaping the full benefit of opportunities in the 

United States; 

Whereas the economy and our position in the world marketplace depend on having a literate, skilled population; 

Whereas the education skills of parents and reading to children have a direct impact on the educational success of 

their children; 

Whereas, parental involvement is a key predictor of a child’s 

success, the level of parental involvement increases as the 

education level of the parent increases; 

Whereas parents in family literacy programs become more involved in their children’s education and gain the tools 

necessary to obtain a job or find better employment; 

Whereas, as a result, children’s lives become more stable, and 

success in the classroom, and in all future endeavors, becomes more likely; 
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Whereas studies show that two important factors that influence student achievement are the mother’s education level 

and poverty in the home, it is clear that if adults are not 

part of the learning equation, then there is no long-term 

solution to our Nation’s education challenges; 

Whereas many older people in the United States lack the 

reading, math, or English skills to read a prescription 

and follow medical instructions, endangering their lives 

and the lives of their loved ones; 

Whereas many individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or receive public assistance lack the literacy 

skills to obtain and keep a job with a family-sustaining 

income, continue their education, or participate in job 

training programs; 

Whereas many high school dropouts do not have the literacy 

skills to complete their education, transition to postsecondary education or vocational training, or become employed; 

Whereas a large portion of those in prison have low educational skills, and prisoners without skills are more likely to return to prison once released; 

Whereas many of our Nations’ immigrants do not have the 

literacy skills to succeed in their new home country; 

Whereas the National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports 

that 90,000,000 adults lack the literacy, numeracy, or 

English language skills to succeed at home, in the workplace, and in society; 

Whereas National Adult Education and Family Literacy week 

highlights the need for our government to support efforts 

to ensure each and every citizen has the necessary lit-
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eracy skills to succeed at home, at work, and in society; 

and 

Whereas the week of October 18, 2009, would be an appropriate date to designate as National Adult Education and 

Family Literacy Week: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) supports the designation of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, including raising public awareness about the importance of adult education 

and family literacy; 

(2) encourages people across the United States to 

support programs to assist those in need of adult education and family literacy programs; and 

(3) requests that the President issue a proclamation 

recognizing the importance of adult education and family 

literacy programs, calling upon the Federal Government, 

States, localities, schools, libraries, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, consumer advocates, institutions of higher education, labor unions, and 

businesses to support increased access to adult education 

and family literacy programs to ensure a literate society. 

Attest: 

Clerk.