The Western Suffolk (New York) Board of Cooperative Educational Services undertook a 3-year workplace basic education project that was designed to help workers develop four types of skills: traditional basic skills; other Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)-type competencies such as problem solving, team work, and computer literacy; self-confidence; and job-specific technical skills. The program's approach was based on the following strategies: partnerships with local employers; initial and ongoing staff development; ongoing assessment of learners' needs and progress through a variety of assessment methods; customized instruction featuring authentic materials and examples from learners' day-to-day lives; and recruitment and retention activities. The project far exceeded its stated goals. More than 1,300 learners at 28 companies received instruction in English for speakers of other languages and SCANS-type basic skills. In addition to gaining specific basic and technical skills, many learners reported new interest in participating in training and educational opportunities inside and outside their workplaces. The education provider developed stronger links with employers and workers and gained new expertise in workplace education. (Appendixes constituting 50% of this document contain the following: summary of sites participating; schedule of 1997 information-gathering activities; and 12 site profiles.) (MN)