A survey by the IRA Committee on Basic Education and Reading revealed that most states required adult basic education (ABE) teachers to have elementary or secondary credentials but usually had no additional requirements. Respondents favored setting standards for ABE reading teacher certification, with "a demonstrated competency in teaching…

Presents the instructional rationale used in design of the Basic Skills Learning System, a modularized network of computer assisted tutorials, drills, tests, printed materials, and videotaped presentations directed at improving basic reading, math, and language skills of adults below eighth-grade level. Teaching strategies that impact reading…

Successful adult basic education teachers require content knowledge, ability to relate to adult learners, mastery of techniques to transmit knowledge, and competence in interpersonal relationships. (SK)

Describes a project designed to test the effectiveness of the traditional adult basic education curriculum and a competency based curriculum; develop an adult literacy and competency skills instructional program; and produce an exportable handbook which could be used by other agencies in developing such programs. (CT)

Reviews the literature dealing with ways of improving the effectiveness of adult basic education reading instruction in the areas of teacher training, teaching styles, instructional methods and materials, and adult learning patterns. Discusses the implications of the studies cited. (AYC)

Discusses the common stereotypes of the older adult in college reading programs; describes the educational performance of these students and outlines provisions to consider in planning for the older reader. (MAI)

Describes how an educational broker accomplishes the task of successfully matching educational resources with the needs of his adult education customer: the role of the educational broker, establishment of his database, accessing the data, publicizing the center, delivery of service, and the library's role/responsibility. (Author/JD)

Presents the case history of an adult nonreader taught to read through the language experience approach, rereading, retelling, assisted reading, and sustained silent reading. (DD)

The author theorizes that her students, single-parent welfare recipients, develop negative reading habits to camouflage low literacy. She describes instructional strategies that fail to help and methods she found effective. (SK)

Discusses how a literacy intervention program found success among struggling readers in prison. Describes "Turning a New Page," an unconditional literacy project that develops vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and self-esteem in the older, reluctant reader. Concludes that older, reluctant readers need motivation and respect in learning…

The Arkansas Department of Correction School District initially required educational attendance for inmates with less than a high-school diploma or a fourth-grade Wide Range Achievement Test score. Eventually, attendance was made compulsory for all inmates without high school diplomas. District funding was almost entirely from state education…

Examines the degree to which United States adult literacy programs use materials and activities reflective of real-life literacy functions and degree to which relationships between teachers and students reflect mutuality and shared power. Finds the majority of programs involve students in literacy activities that do not reflect real-life literacy…

Examines the following considerations for using computers in adult literacy instruction: why use computers; stand-alone versus integrated learning systems; training and supporting teachers in the use of interactive technologies; and outcomes of computer-assisted instruction. (SK)

An Iowa survey of 351 adult basic education participants uncovered 10 motivations for participation, which were used to develop a cluster-analysis market segmentation. Another Iowa study found 4 basic causes for nonparticipation: low perception of need, perceived difficulty, dislike of school, and situational barriers. (SK)

The reading practices of four inmates were analyzed, showing very distinct approaches to reading. Standardized tests proved inadequate for assessing their learning needs. Other assessment formats such as miscue analysis and individualized instruction and materials were recommended. (SK)