Describes the process used in developing custom-tailored workplace basic skills programs. Examples show that learning objectives are mainly the same skills that are taught in more generic classes. The difference is that they use scenarios and text directly from the workplace. (Author/JOW)

Discusses how adults in the Brooklyn Public Library Adult Literacy Program use writing (particularly poetry) to deepen their knowledge of spatial reasoning, fractions, and percentages. (RS)

Looks at a literature-based approach to reading instruction and the whole-language approach to teaching adult literacy. Describes the instructional procedure used in a workplace literacy program serving employees of the Ohio State University hospital staff. (JOW)

Offers practical approaches to creating a connected learning environment, integrating individual disciplines into holistic learning, and inspiring motivation to be lifelong learners for a general educational development (GED) program. (JOW)

Interviews with 11 older adults (most with less than 8 years' schooling) found that (1) they get help with most writing and reading needs or avoid tasks that cause problems; (2) current reading and writing are mainly for pleasure; and (3) all expressed interest in using computers to improve reading and writing. (SK)

Resistance theory was used as a framework in analyzing 10 works of fiction containing a character who resisted traditional schooling and embraced an alternative lifestyle. The results applied to nonparticipants in adult basic education show that resisters reject the hegemony of values of traditional programs. (JOW)

A mathematical/graphics schema used to analyze statistical data from an adult literacy initiative identifies gaps attributable to an implicit strategy of containment that differs from the intent of Lau v Nichols in elementary-secondary education. A moral equivalent of Lau is needed to achieve equity in linguistic diversity in adult literacy.…

A longitudinal study of 1,256 participants in adult basic education in Denmark focused on psychological changes in adult education participants regarding reemployment. The unemployed were goal directed and became more so during the course. Participants' high social support diminished during the course as participants began to meet some societal…

The Family Support Act has given new impetus to adult education through collaboration with welfare systems to provide adult literacy, high school equivalency, and English proficiency classes for welfare recipients. (SK)

Reviews six models of prereading programs for developmentally delayed adults: readinglike behavior, picture reading, global features of books, print in the environment, labeling, and rebus symbols. (SK)

The National Literacy Program in Namibia (NLPN) was launched in 1992 with the objective of achieving 80% national literacy among adults. Several evaluations, including an evaluation of system policy and performance, have been conducted. The methodology of these evaluations and the philosophy behind them are discussed. (SLD)

Usable responses from 54% of adult-basic-education providers (n=555) in nine states identified how they determine whether adult clients have disabilities, the number with disabilities, and the total with disabilities in the region. Inner city/urban and smaller programs reported significantly more clients with disabilities. (SK)

Review of Quigley's "Rethinking Literacy Education" (1997) identifies areas of ambivalence over whether a vision for adult literacy education can be achieved. Themes include the social view of illiteracy, "happy consciousness," attrition and resistance, and action research. (SK)

A manufacturing company's employees were given basic-skills classes. Company records and Tests of Adult Basic Education results before and after instruction demonstrated that the classes increased productivity and improved job performance of participants compared to a control group. (SK)

Suggests that adult basic skills programs may be ineffective for developing the kinds of literacy proficiencies assessed by the National Adult Literacy Survey--reading and understanding prose and documents materials and texts containing quantitative information. Discusses why basic skills education may not lead to improved literacy skills. Offers…