The ability to read on higher levels, understand text, and make decisions based on that information are basic workforce requirements today. These basic expectations prevent motivated, intelligent adults from entering or remaining in the workforce. Adults who cannot read struggle with employment and continue to live in poverty. The Washington Literacy Center (WLC) provides a basic reading program for District adults who read below a fifth grade level (90,000 by OSSE 2011 estimates). The core curriculum is the Wilson Reading System.Learners attend two-hour classes, three to four times each week. This year the WLC Wilson trained instructors will serve 100 District adults through these small group (8-10) classes. The WLC is not an adult