This handbook is designed to guide the adult basic education (ABE) teacher who is just beginning to work in an individualized learning center. Strategies are presented to aid these teachers in coordinating the simultaneous instruction of many adults while maintaining an individualized approach tailored to meet the needs of each student. Ten chapters cover these topics: characteristics of ABE learners; ABE teacher roles, skills, and characteristics; scope of ABE (levels, General Educational Development Testing, competency education, English as a Second Language); organizing the learning center; getting the learner started; evaluating the learner's needs (informal evaluation, diagnostic procedure, testing, self evaluation); educational prescription; basic principles of individualization (basic principles of programmed learning, components of individualization, group instruction); record keeping; and use of educational aides. Appendixes include answers to questions frequently asked by ABE teachers operating individualized learning centers; sample forms, lists, and information; and a bibliography. (YLB)