A statistical analysis was conducted of the New York City adult literacy database for program year 1989-90. Data included extensive information on enrollees in city- and state-funded classroom and tutorial programs throughout the city, as well as information on hours of instruction received and students' achievement test results. Demographic and achievement findings for 1989-90 indicated the following: the population was 61 percent female and 49.5 percent Hispanic; mean age was 36.0 years; 47.9 percent were employed full time; 20.9 percent received public assistance; over 60 percent of the residents of each borough attended programs in the same borough; and 54.4 percent attended class in evenings. The average basic education student gained 9.1 months on the Test of Adult Basic Education, after 112.3 hours of contact. Data showed average John Test raw score gains among participants in English for Speakers of Other Languages of 15.3 points, after 108.1 hours of contact. Comparative studies contrasted results of 1985-86, 1986-87, 1987-88, and 1988-89 analyses with those obtained from the 1989-90 file. The current population was found to be older, more likely to be employed, and with fewer basic skills. Longitudinal analyses determined the demographic characteristics of students who participate for more than 1 year and the long-term effects of program participation. More of these students were women and immigrants who entered programs at low achievement levels. (47 data tables) (YLB)