A Federally-sponsored summer institute, the 1971 adult basic education (ABE) teacher training institute at Alabama State University was an in-depth study directed to the identification and solution of crucial problems of rural poor adults. The 100 institute participants, representing 16 states, were ABE administrators and teachers and personnel from other Federally-funded adult programs, who contributed varying experiences and cultural backgrounds. Results of an inventory survey determining vital problems of rural adults revealed five problem areas, which were used to form task force groups for the institute: (1) improving management skills for ABE teachers, (2) problems of consumer education, (3) crucial problems in health and nutrition, (4) identifying and using community resources and agencies in ABE, (5) interpersonal relations among rural adults. The nine workshop addresses, focusing on various aspects of the five problem areas, are included. Each participant was administered a pre-test and a post-test to determine changes in concepts, attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors. Outcomes of the institute were increased knowledge, skills, and leadership for ABE personnel as well as greater sensitivity for the rural adult learner. A 25-page appendix contains supplementary institute information. A separate follow-up institute study pamphlet is also included. (EA)