This guide, which is intended for individuals responsible for designing and/or delivering workplace basic skills programs, explains the principles and procedures of curriculum development in the workplace. Discussed in chapter 1 is the importance of focusing on basic skills in workplace education and examining existing practices. Chapter 2 examines the cycle and principles of workplace curriculum development (collaborative practices and principles of good practice and adult education). Outlined in chapter 3 are the basic principles of conducting workplace needs assessments (including literacy task analyses and individual needs assessments). Chapter 4 details the steps in program design (developing and integrating curricula and setting objectives), and chapter 5 considers various aspects of the process of developing and using materials for the workplace (developing authentic materials and situations, structuring learning activities, developing integrated and content-based programs, formulating content-based models, and designing materials for multilevel groups. Checklists are included throughout the guide along with case studies on such topics as the following: integrated upgrading and training; study skills; coordination of workplace services in rural areas; performance-based training for new technologies; participatory curriculum design; and basic skills training for small businesses. Concluding the guide is a list of 74 suggested readings. (MN)