This investigation entailed surveys of the operation of the Missouri State Office of Adult Basic Education (ABE) and of local program characteristics, as well as of followup study of adults (enrollees age 25 or over with less than eight years of schooling) who terminated during the 1967-68 fiscal year. Interviews, a questionnaire, and state records provided data on state organization and staffing, operational procedures and costs, and services. Data were also gathered on program organization and administration; ABE teachers and other full time and part time staff; the curriculum and instructional materials; student background; program graduates and nongraduates; plans (if any) for continuing education; students' subsequent employment status, work history, and income; student opinions on their ABE experience; and student probmems. Findings led to several recommendations, both general and specific, on instruction and program administration. (The document includes three questionnaires, suggested data bank and cumulative record items, 22 tables and charts, and a map showing functional illiteracy figures for Missouri counties.) (LY)