The Center for Literacy
Literature Citations Timeline
Prior to 2000
On this page, you will find important citations from the literature on accountability and adult literacy from the years 1987 to 2000. Each of the highlighted titles below is linked to the actual online document. For later years or for documents from the provinces, please follow the links below.
Provincial / Territorial Selections
1999
- Canada, Office of the Auditor General. (1999). Human Resources Development Canada: Accountability for shared social programs: National Child Benefit and Employability Assistance for People With Disabilities.
This chapter presents two case studies - of the National Child Benefit and Employability Assistance for People With Disabilities programs – which examine accountability relationships between the federal and provincial governments, in order to answer three questions: 1) how can credible reporting on these two programs best be achieved; 2) what are realistic expectations for measuring the program outcomes?; and 3) are there information gaps that will need to be filled? The case studies conclude with suggestions from the Auditor General on how to achieve accountability, followed by responses from Human Resources Development Canada. [CE] - Canada, Office of the Auditor General. (1999). Involving others in governing: Accountability at risk. In 1999 Report of the Auditor General of Canada (November, Chapter 23).
This chapter reports the findings of an audit of accountability mechanisms and governance structures present in existing arrangements between the federal government and external parties, in recognition of an increasing tendency to involve other parties in the planning, design and achievement of federal policies and objectives. Observations and recommendations focus on the need for: increased monitoring and attention to transparency; improved reporting requirements and practices; greater protections for the public interest; and deeper understanding of the changing nature of accountability and good governance. The Auditor General’s conclusion is followed by a response from the Treasury Board Secretariat. [CE] - Panel on Accountability and Governance in the Voluntary Sector. (1999). Building on strength: Improving governance and accountability in Canada’s voluntary sector. Ottawa, ON: The Panel.
As an initiative of the Voluntary Sector Roundtable, the Panel on Accountability and Governance was appointed to: conduct research and draft proposals on how to promote accountability and governance in the voluntary sector; gather feedback on proposals through broad consultations; and produce a final report with specific recommendations for the sector. This final report presents an in-depth examination of current accountability and capacity challenges experienced by voluntary sector organizations, and offers recommendations for action by both the voluntary sector and Canada’s governments. [CE]
1998
- Canada, Office of the Auditor General, & Treasury Board Secretariat. (1998). Modernizing accountability practices in the public sector: Discussion draft.
- Merrifield, J. (1998). Contested ground: Performance accountability in adult basic education. [NSCALL Reports #1]. United States.
Considered a seminal document on the topic of accountability in literacy, this policy paper analyzes key issues and concerns relating to the use learner performance measurement for the purposes of program accountability. Drawing on literature in education, government and management, and interviews with national- and state-level literacy leaders and researchers, Merrifield examines the challenges associated with: changing definitions of literacy and its purposes; mutual stakeholder accountability; weak capacity for delivery; and the inadequacy of existing measurement tools. In response to these challenges, she presents promising state and national initiatives, and outlines principles for an action framework: (1) agree on performance; (2) build mutual accountability relationships; (3) develop capacity to perform and be accountable; and (4) create new tools to measure performance. [CE]
1992
- Darville, R. (1992). Adult literacy work in Canada.
Provides a comprehensive history and overview of the development of adult literacy policy and practice in Canada, providing valuable insight into the ever-shifting conceptions and definitions of the issue, and national and provincial responses to it. Though writing in the early 90’s, Darville highlights a range of concerns - related to program diversity, organizational capacity, best practices, partnership, policy formation and accountability – which are still a major preoccupation among practitioners and policy makers today. [CE]
1987
- Literacy in Canada: The Cedar Glen declaration. (1987).
Drafted by ten national literacy groups forming a “Coalition of Organizations Concerned About Illiteracy in Canada”, this declaration lays down a set of principles and recommendations to inform the development and implementation of public policy in literacy. [CE]
