Literacy should be viewed as a continuum of undereducation, stretching from those who cannot read and write at all at the low end to those who have less than a high school education at the high end. People at different points have different needs, which may differ greatly from those current literacy programs try to meet. The track record of…

Intended for trainers of literacy providers and practitioners in the field, this manual explains how to develop a workplace literacy program and market it to employers. Chapter 1 provides an overview and history of workplace literacy and recommends improvements in literacy services. Chapter 2 examines approaches to developing workplace programs,…

The ideal learning center is, in essence, a living definition of competency-based education. Such a center has the capability of meeting the diverse needs of adult school students while at the same time raising the coping skills or competencies of its participants on an individualized basis. (Author)

The purpose of the handbook is to simplify the routine business of beginning and/or operating an Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program. It describes in some detail the planning of an ABE program and deals with: the demographic survey of the population; the creation of an advisory board; the determination of the educational needs of the community;…

This paper describes seven ideas that would help a literacy program work well. Some examples are given to show how each idea could be used in different parts of a literacy program. Some questions are also listed that could stimulate discussion about each idea. The seven quality guidelines or ideas are as follows: (1) community focus--a good…

The first of three related monographs resulting from a Unesco regional literacy workshop in Asia, this booklet provides information useful to those designing national programs in literacy training for underdeveloped and developing nations. Following an introduction, the booklet discusses the formulation of both policy guidelines and policy…

This handbook for adult basic education (ABE) program operators is designed to provide an understanding of procedures involved in establishing or improving ABE/cooperative planning and arrangements (CP&A). It is organized around four major topics. Chapter 1 overviews community resource utilization in ABE programs. A systems approach to…

As the nation's population of persons aged 65 and over increases to 20% of the total population by the end of the twentieth century, and as this group grows in size and political influence, their educational and related needs must be met. Educational support requirements include programs which will improve the individual's potential to lead a more…

A model for program planning in adult basic education is presented, the prototype having been produced by 40 coordinators, teachers, and adult learners. It was designed to meet the need, in adult education programs, for stabilization through systematic planning. A systems approach is defined with systems analysis, anasynthesis, and planning…

Research on adult literacy suggests that some formidable problems lie ahead as efforts continue toward ensuring that every adult in the United States is literate and possesses skills necessary for economic competitiveness and citizenship. Among the difficulties facing existing approaches are three interrelated issues. First, current programs serve…

Kidney dialysis patients often suffer emotional problems and face life adjustment problems. Adult basic education can be a useful tool to address these and to make positive use of idle time during dialysis. This article describes such a program, emphasizes the self-concept gain for students, and highlights the critical role of the understanding…

Indicators of program quality for adult basic education programs, developed by consultants, are assessed as they might be applicable to English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program evaluation. Sample quality indicators were developed in the areas of program context (i.e., organizational structure of service delivery, participant characteristics),…

India's national adult education program is being planned to bring literacy to its 310 million adult illiterates. The first stage is projected to cover 100 million persons in the 15-35 age group by 1983-84. Problems include motivating institutions and individuals to participate and providing for adequate funding. (MF)

This guide describes a collaborative approach to high quality and relevant evaluation of a workplace basic skills program that can be carried out as part of normal program operations. It is designed for use by educators, union representatives, managers, supervisors, participating employees, and funders. The guide is organized into five phases. In…

This literature review observes that (1) there is an increasing need for enhancing job literacy skills among workers; (2) workplace literacy programs cover both basic literacy and job-related technical training; (3) successful curricula use job-related tasks and materials; and (4) management needs to be heavily involved and committed if a program…