The second annual implementation report for the Accelerating Opportunity (AO) initiative in four states finds that: (1) colleges aligned pathways and supports with local needs; (2) students were satisfied with AO; (3) AO instructors grew more adept at team teaching; (4) colleges struggled to recruit adult education students; (5) states and…

This report, the fourth in a series describing an ongoing investigation of Illinois family literacy programs, documents the work and organization of a group that studied and developed state policy in the area of family literacy. The report includes the following: (1) the position paper that outlines the findings of the family literacy policy group…

Seven model family literacy programs in Illinois were monitored for one year to determine successful program components and characteristics and to assist local programs in developing and implementing practical evaluation systems. Six were networking programs each of which involved several agencies, and one program was designed on a center-based…

As a follow-up to phase 1 in reports 1-2, this report presents the second and third phases of a project which examined changes in seven Illinois family literacy programs, assisted the sites in implementing evaluation systems, and tested the usefulness of an evaluation framework. In phase 2, structured and conversational interviews and site…

The Task Force on Adult and Continuing Education was charged to formulate a general agreement on practices, procedures, and a proposed design of a program of education for adults in Illinois. Other responsibilities have been formulating goals usable for adult educators in creating programs, determining procedures, and choosing technologies and…

Argues for new opportunities for persons previously excluded from rewarding employment experiences, through partnerships between business and adult literacy programs. Joint ventures to benefit viable, functionally literate workers must create a new market through such initiatives as national, state, and business cooperation, language minority…

A study examined basic skills programs at 21 Illinois companies. Most of the top managers interviewed recognized the basic skills training needs of their work forces; however, only 14 of the companies actually offered workplace basic skills programs. Three major motivating factors were identified as catalysts for beginning a program: a drive for…

The structure and function of family literacy programming in Illinois is examined in this two-part report. National models are reviewed to provide an understanding of research and practice in the field, and a framework is proposed for the systematic development and evaluation of family literacy programs. Based on visits to 19 sites (59% of the…

Designed to develop competency-based adult education (CBAE) as an alternative adult education delivery system, the Illinois CBAE Project provided a series of three workshops and a consultation for 48 Illinois adult education practitioners. The workshops consisted of an awareness workshop, a module development workshop, and an evaluation and…

During fiscal year 1995, more than $29 million was spent on adult education and literacy programming in Illinois, with federal, state, and public aid accounting for 36%, 30%, and 34% respectively of all funds. Of those funds, 77% were spent on direct instruction. The 107 adult education/literacy programs offered in Illinois' 4 planning regions in…

Prepared by the office of the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian, this manual describes the components and basic start-up steps of successful volunteer literacy programs. The 17 short sections provide an overview of the following topics: (1) purpose and mission; (2) determining need in your community; (3) recruiting students; (4)…

The Learning with East Aurora Families (LEAF) Project was a 1-year family literacy program developed and implemented by Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois. It recruited 51 parents and other significant adults of 4- and 5-year-olds enrolled in at-risk programs. Each of the 4-week sessions were divided into 5 components: adult…

This publication incorporates information for developing the Learning with East Aurora Families (LEAF) family literacy program model as well as specific activity ideas for program components. It is divided into eight parts which include: (1) staff job descriptions; (2) early childhood curriculum; (3) adult basic education curriculum; (4) English…