Compares and comments on two recent national surveys of adult literacy standards in the United States and Canada, which move away from reporting the number of literates/illiterates and use levels of literacy proficiency. Notes that different concepts for literacy levels, different types of sampling, and different ways of measuring literacy and…

Argues that school improvement efforts have not been examined carefully, comprehensibly, sensibly, and sensitively enough. Describes Canada's reform attempts which abandon isolated inservice education efforts, recognize that problems in implementing school reforms need to be addressed, and recognize that the school must be the focal point of…

Reports on a survey of Native Canadian adults (with limited reading skills but not currently in adult programs) about their perceptions of literacy. Discusses (1) purposes and values of literacy; (2) types of goals; (3) past barriers; (4) preferred learning environment (they preferred "watch then do" learning); and (5) current barriers.…

Explores the relationship between participation in a Canadian urban adult literacy programs and employment status over three years. Finds that most participants returned to the same sort of low-paying jobs. Suggests that agencies and groups providing financial support for such programs reconsider the strong focus on employment that permeates these…

Four field tests of Canadian software show that computerized interactive fiction teaches both history and independent reading/study skills. (ARH)