This handbook, which is based on a self-directed format, is written for adult education specialists, curriculum designers, and learning facilitators who want to help adult workers develop the basic skills needed for improved job performance. Discussed in part 1 are reasons for teaching basic skills in the workplace, considerations in developing effective workplace education programs, and a curriculum development model that views basic skills analysis and curriculum design as critical elements of creating a viable workforce education program. Part 2 deals with the process of conducting a basic skills analysis. It includes four case studies illustrating various steps of the skill analysis process: interviewing contact persons and employees, gathering data and workplace print materials, determining core competencies, and creating and completing a basic skills task analysis. Part 3 examines the steps in developing workplace curricula: developing a curriculum design, writing instructional goals, evaluating entry behaviors of learners, selecting learning activities, and writing lesson plans. Four case studies devoted to creating customized curriculum materials are included. Contains 11 references. Appended are answers to the case studies and a list of 21 selected student workplace texts and 54 books and government documents about literacy. (MN)