To assess efforts in Adult Basic Education (ABE) on a nationwide basis, a longitudinal evaluation was conducted in 1971 of State programs funded under the Adult Education Act of 1966. Data were gathered across a variety of ABE programs and a representative sample of 2,318 program participants was studied over an 18-month period through a series of basic skills tests (arithmetic and reading) and participant interviews covering background, educational goals, employment experiences, earnings, and opinions related to ABE experiences. Information also was collected on program and classroom characteristics through interviews with local ABE administrators and instructors. Gains in test scores showed no statistically significant relationships to program participation between tests. Some findings noted over the 18-month period were an increase in the percentage of participants working, wage increases, a decrease in public assistance, and a decrease in the percentage of students with college aspirations. Interviewees had very positive opinions about their ABE experiences; a majority felt their experience had helped them in their jobs. A limitation of the study was the absence of a control group. Further research needs to be directed toward experimental research rather than survey research. (EA)