A study of 10 groups of learners in workplace literacy programs at 6 companies was used to develop and refine a data-based model for evaluating workplace literacy programs. The learners (n=181) completed pre- and post-assessments. In a structured one-on-one interview, information was gathered on learners' beliefs about literacy and their own…

A study investigated the educational levels of 196 inmates (85 percent male, most Caucasian, 5 ethnic groups represented) of the Cumberland County Jail (CCJ) in Portland, Maine, using a self-perception instrument and the results of the Tests of Applied Literacy Skills. Information was obtained regarding gender, age, recidivism, highest level of…

This report describes a project conducted to address National Education Goal #5 (every adult American will be literate) by developing a cooperative network of literacy and job skills providers and encouraging lifelong learning in a Pennsylvania community. The communitywide network that was formed developed a strategic plan emphasizing community…

A more literate society cannot be created in the United States or elsewhere without a more comprehensive conceptual framework. This framework attempts explicitly to link children's acquisition of literacy with that of adults and assumes there is no single normative theory to literacy development. In a life-span and life-space approach, literacy…

Michigan Literacy conducted a project to collect, review, summarize, and compile a reference document of all student assessment tools currently being used by adult volunteer literacy programs in Michigan. Data were gathered through a survey questionnaire that was sent to 134 volunteer literacy programs (with 82 responses). Respondents reported…

This brief contains selected references on work force and workplace literacy. The references are divided under the following headings: 10 how-to guides and assessment tools, 15 policy and research reports, and 4 surveys. Each listing may include the following: title, author(s), product description, cost, and publishing source. (NLA)

This booklet of information and accompanying reading selections are intended to help a tutor get started with a new adult learner. The booklet does not provide suggestions for teaching strategies, but rather discusses conducting the initial assessment of learners, observing the student reading, categorizing the students into one of three stages,…

This publication presents the five building blocks of the American Bar Association's (ABA's) Special Committee on Law and Literacy's Three Year Advancement of Justice Plan. The first building block is the statement of shared values and beliefs that outlines why literacy is important to the association, profession, justice systems, and country.…

The fifth National Education Goal--every adult will be literate and possess the necessary skills for competing in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship--is being implemented in part through workplace literacy programs. To reach the goal of universal literacy in the United States, five objectives were…

As part of an ongoing assessment on adult literacy and the new technologies, this study profiled the similarities and differences among Appalachian and Californian adults with low literacy skills. Two teams of researchers each profiled six adults with low literacy skills. The study population was selected so as to reflect a diverse mix of ages,…

Children's literature, widely used with elementary English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students, can be adapted to teach literacy skills to adult ESL learners as well. Children's books often have captivating story lines and beautiful illustrations, and many have universal appeal and address mature themes and topics. Its successful use in adult ESL…

This document consists of 11 information sheets on conducting literacy audits for social agencies in Calgary, Alberta (Canada). The literacy audit is a systematic in-house assessment of the accessibility of an agency for low literate adults. The packet begins with five information sheets that provide questions and answers under the following…

Suggestions designed to help communities attain the fifth National Education Goal are offered in this document. The goal states that by the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Seven principles…

A project was conducted to design and implement a curriculum for older adults in the areas of consumer events and consumer awareness. The project aimed to improve the seniors' basic skills by providing relevant content in a basic education context. During the project a curriculum was developed and presented through workshops held in 2 senior…

College students involved in literacy education programs should be aware of who are involved in such programs, what the attitudes and agendas of each of the parties are, the resistance that the literacy programs might encounter, the uses of collaborative partnerships, and how to build collaborative partnerships, according to a study involving…