A study assessed the impact of an Adult Basic Education (ABE) program on a sample of students enrolled in the Philadelphia ABE classes during the 1977-1978 school year. In order to assess the long-term effects of the ABE program, the researcher interviewed a random sample of 267 voluntary participants of the Philadelphia ABE day session after an interval of three years following participation in the program. Among those areas examined in the study were the following: student perceptions of the skills they acquired through the program, current educational status, student voter registration and voter participation level, student participation and involvement, participation in parent/student activities, current employment status, and effects of ABE participation on skill development and employment. Analysis of the survey results affirmed the positive role of ABE in increasing students' academic skills and educational level. In addition, ABE participation resulted in increased social involvement, community participation, and improved parent school relationships. Recommendations were made calling for additional research to investigate the effects of ABE enrollment on individual attitudes and on the effects of parent ABE enrollment on children. Also recommended was initiation of counseling and referral services for ABE students. (MN)