I was interested to see that READ, Dawson County’s literacy advocate organization, announced that it will partner with the Adult Learning Center (Lanier Technical College as the county’s vendor of service) in becoming a Certified Literate Community Participant for Dawson County. 

To achieve CLC status, a goal of more than 1,600 (50 percent plus one) people over the next 10 years was announced by READ. 

That means approximately 160 people a year must get their GED or a Level Complete (people who have tested for the pre-GED test and subsequently test again at a higher grade level). 

This is the counting method to become a CLC, which is allowed by the state government. 

What I want to know is where is the accountability and openness associated with this process? Lanier Tech/READ have not published the results of the number of GED graduates brought in by the Adult Learning Center in Dawson County for 2008 (fiscal year ending 6/30/2008) or YTD 2009.

Remember, David Brown was able to bring in over 100 GED graduates a year (for three years) in that four-room house on Allen Street (the former Adult Learning Center).

With the brand new Adult Learning Center in Dawsonville, Lanier Tech could potentially come close to doubling David’s results.

But, if the goal relies heavily on “level completes” and not people getting their GEDs, being designated as a CLC will be a hollow victory for Dawson County. 

Jean M. Edwards

Dawson County