Baylor Center for Literacy Conducting Statewide Church Literacy Survey

The Center for Literacy (CFL) in Baylor University’s School of Social Work is producing a directory of church-based literacy ministries in Texas. “This is the first organized effort to collect this information and will provide a foundation for future initiatives to strengthen these vital ministries,” said Rob Rogers, director of the Center for Literacy and associate professor in the School of Social Work. 

“The goals of this project include documenting the contribution of the faith community to addressing the challenge of low literacy levels in Texas,” Rogers said. “We also want to promote networking among local literacy programs.” 

“The data collection phase will continue through the summer, and the directory will be available online by early fall,” Rogers said.  

“Our greatest hope is that we can use this comprehensive information to help transform the lives of individuals and families whose quality of life is diminished because they cannot read, write, or speak English with proficiency,” Rogers said. 

The survey, online at http://www1.baylor.edu/surveys/Literacy_FaithBased/literacy_esl_survey.htm, is for churches that sponsor classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), adult basic education (literacy) or tutoring children and youth. A printed version of the survey also is available. 

The Center for Literacy, at 1514 S. Fifth Street on the Baylor campus, is a joint program of the School of Social Work, the Baylor School of Education, and the Baptist General Convention of Texas. 

 For more information, or to obtain a copy of the survey, contact the Center for Literacy at (254) 710-3854 or at centerforliteracy@baylor.edu.