The November 1994 symposium on adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction and literacy brought together ESL, literacy, and adult education professionals to share perspectives. Two keynote addresses are summarized: "Facing the Facts of Life, Literacy, and Work" (Shirley Brice Heath), which looks at trends in the nature of work in American society, and "Language, Literacy, and Education Reform" (Augusta Souza Kappner), which considers educational legislation needs. A question-and-answer session with the two speakers is also transcribed. Following this, three panel presentations are summarized: "Adult Education in the Workplace" (Allene Guss Grognet), based on observation of ESL and other adult learners in the workplace; "Assessment of Learner Outcomes" (Alister Cumming), an examination of trends in Canadian policy for adult ESL literacy education; and "Professional Development for Adult Literacy Educators" (JoAnn Crandall), which discusses the professionalization of the adult ESL literacy field. Additional comments by Grognet and Cumming are also included. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)