This handbook is an introduction to the topics that adult basic and literacy education (ABLE) program administrators need to know. The 77 articles by various authors are divided into 6 sections. "A Background for the ABLE Program Administrator" covers the definition of a program administrator, a guiding philosophy, a brief history of adult education, adult education in Pennsylvania, state and federal legislation, and the future of ABLE. "Planning and Administration" topics include the following: funding; application procedures for funds; how to write a fundable grant proposal; the relationship of ABLE with the Job Training Partnership Act and Even Start; collaboration; student recruitment and retention; public awareness; reporting requirements; reporting student, staff, and program data; evaluation reports; and indicators of program quality. Topics in "Delivery Systems" include the following: managing a multiple-site program, managing a community-based literacy model, distance education, and programs in a homeless shelter, public library, patient education setting, state correctional institution, and county jail. "Staffing and Staff Development" covers leadership in hiring, supervising, and rewarding instructional team and recruiting and managing volunteer staff. "Educating Adults" addresses these topics: who students are; the adult learner; multiculturalism; intake; standardized test selection; adult learning disabilities; Tests of General Educational Development; English as a second language; workplace curriculum; family literacy; computer-assisted instruction; curriculum resources; counseling for academic and personal needs; career preparation for adult students; and alumni associations. "Professional Support" topics are literacy resource centers, graduate programs, national ABLE resource centers, and other associations and centers. The last section contains these appendixes: the administrator's essential bookshelf, an annotated bibliography; a chart of publishers of adult education curriculum resources; biographies and addresses of writers of articles in this guide; glossary; and index. (YLB)