Detailed analyses are given of the most effective teaching techniques in each of four major basic skills areas: writing, reading, English as a second language, and mathematics. Six basic questions are addressed for each area: (1) What are the objectives of skills programs in this area? (2) What are the different skills levels of entering students, and how can these levels be determined? (3) What should be taught at each skills level? (4) What teaching methods are not appropriate for each skills level? (5) How can the scope and effectiveness of current skills teaching be determined? and (6) How should a skills program in this area be administered? The premise is that in basic skills education, practice has often surged ahead of research and theory, and that methods and procedures developed and tested in the classroom provide the strongest foundation for future progress in the field. This book is based on findings from the first comprehensive evaluation of teaching in the basic skills programs at the City University of New York. (Author/MSE)