Empowering Adults Through Literacy

The Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning

Adult literacy remains a critical issue in Texas, with nearly 1 in 5 adults lacking basic literacy skills needed for work and civic engagement, according to the World Population Review. In addition, around five million adults in our state need adult education programs to help increase their chance of furthering their education, finding a job and succeeding in the workforce.

Our Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL) works with those local literacy programs to fill that need and help Texans succeed not just in the classroom but also at work and in their daily lives.

Four people are engaged in a serious discussion around a conference table full of documents and stationery. A poster with blue writing is held by one person. The atmosphere is collaborative and focused.

TCALL delivers training, informational resources and other support to local programs, students and stakeholders.

Since 1989, TCALL has grown to serve as the state’s literacy resource center, aiming to empower all adults living in Texas to achieve the literacy skills needed to support themselves, their families and their communities. The center has worked towards this effort first through funding from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and later the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The center now facilitates a network of more than 400 adult education providers supporting one another and sharing research and best practices.

“From my first experiences as a tutor, TCALL has been instrumental in providing professional guidance, experiences, and resources to better my instruction game,” shared Jacqueline Aguilera, an educator for nearly 40 years and provider liaison with Houston Area Adult Literacy. “The success of the office and its commitment to support the adult education providers of Houston has been in part due to TCALL.”

These efforts aim to help adult learners fulfill their dreams, including learning to read, getting a GED certificate, or moving forward with secondary education and trade programs.

A group of graduates in black gowns joyfully toss their caps in the air. The scene is lively and celebratory, capturing a moment of achievement.

TCALL celebrates students’ successes, including graduation and new careers.

Educators across the state also gain access to valuable resources and opportunities to grow professionally while learning how to better serve the unique needs of adult students. In addition to in-person and community events, TCALL also provides a library of online and traditional tools for educators and a call center that supports both adult learners and educators with digital literacy challenges.

This year, the center also introduced new training and materials on AI to empower educators to leverage AI tools safely, ethically and successfully for program management, teaching and learning. “TCALL’s vast online resources and accessible support for students in math and digital literacy have been an instrumental support reference for providers as they often struggle with limited instructional staff and class options,” explained Aguilera.

For its continued contributions and advancements to the field, TCALL has received state and national recognition, including a recent nod from the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) for promising practices in the professional development of adult educators.

TCALL is housed in our Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development. Explore all the ways the center supports Texas educators and adult learners by clicking on the following link: tx.ag/TCALLTexas.

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.