The general information provided in the handbook is designed to assist Adult Basic Education (ABE) personnel in planning a program to meet the divergent educational needs of adults. The first quarter of the book is devoted to general background material: ABE's historical background; a synoptic view of the ABE program; and recent trends in ABE. The largest part of the book gives down-to-earth advice on organizing and operating an ABE program; suggests procedures for curriculum development; discusses instruction and the teaching-learning process; outlines methods and materials used in the ABE program; describes methods of recruitment, retention, and evidencing accountability; and touches on the importance of interpersonal relations in ABE. Guidance and counseling are defined in relation to ABE, criteria for evaluation are suggested and evaluation pitfalls pointed out, and, in the summary, tips to ABE teachers are given. In the main, however, the book is descriptive rather than prescriptive. Ten pages of brief case studies are presented as examples. (Author/AJ)