This document contains the instructional materials developed and presented in a 39-hour course for employees of an automotive assembly plant. The course is an introductory look at blueprint reading using blueprints similar to those used at the company. Worksheets and tests relating to the blueprints are included. The course covers an introduction,…

Little research on literacy learning in persons with developmental disabilities has been done. The little that does exist makes clear that some individuals with autism can, and do, learn to read. Adults and adolescents with cognitive impairments have received greater research attention than have others with developmental disabilities. Subjects…

An informal workplace literacy self-test was developed to enable employees to assess their math and reading skills and decide whether to enroll in appropriate literacy programs. The math section of the test consisted of 15 questions; the reading section consisted of 10 questions. The test was quick, confidential, self-administered, and…

This brief gives an overview of the topic of workplace literacy in the health care industry and lists program contacts. The following 35 organizations operate basic skills upgrading programs for health care workers: American Hospital Association; Chinese American Civic Association; Massachusetts Department of Employment and Training; BostonWorks;…

Developed by educators from the Emily Griffith Opportunity School, this teacher's guide presents a course in health care vocabulary for secretaries, medical records personnel, laboratory assistants, shipping personnel, and patient relations personnel in health care facilities. The course, which should require 10-14 hours of instruction, contains…

Developed by educators from the Emily Griffith Opportunity School, this teacher's guide presents an 8-hour course in writing for police officers. The course is designed to help officers improve the accuracy and appearances of their reports and to help them take responsibility for becoming more independent writers. Each of the four lessons in the…

This set of learning modules was developed during a project to deliver workplace literacy instruction to individuals employed in the more than 50 businesses related to the activities of the Port of Baltimore. It is intended to help employees of port businesses improve their spelling and vocabulary. The first module is a preassessment designed to…

A study examined the reading problems of adults in Newfoundland (Canada) with low reading ability. It explored the genesis of these problems through a retrospective analysis of their lives as school children; and determined the relationship between literacy development and personal background factors, school factors, physiological factors, and…

Noting that, generally, low-literate adults in Labrador and Newfoundland (Canada) are being helped only through the altruistic efforts of literate volunteers, this paper argues that adult literacy must be professionalized and become an integral part of the education system. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the definitions of literacy,…

A study determined the causes of adult literacy and illiteracy in Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada) as perceived by those in a position to set literacy policy, and used Statistics Canada data from a national adult literacy survey to critique some of these perceptions. Data for the first objective was gathered from a sample of 67 individuals…

This brief report summarizes the legal requirements of nondiscrimination imposed by the Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as of July 26, 1992, especially in the area of testing. The report emphasizes that literacy tests must be nondiscriminatory and related to the job for which they are given. The following…

This report reviews legislative and administrative policies surrounding adult basic education, the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills program (JOBS) of the Family Support Act, and the Job Training and Partnership Act (JTPA). Recommendations are made for the development of an effective continuum of literacy services. Section A is a historical…

"A Feel for Books" is a book discussion series held for adult developing readers and their teachers and tutors. Students from various literacy programs serve as hosts for the five or six sessions held yearly, and project staff and tutors serve as facilitators. This resource book describes program activities and contains selected stories…

This study investigated the degree to which the flexible design of an adult literacy program provided for efficient, effective, and satisfying teacher behavior within the social system of the providing organization. The program was a collaboration of junior high school, business community, community college, and federal agencies intended to…

This document contains three workplace education curriculum frameworks that provide the underlying rationale and competencies for workplace education classes in communication, English as a second language (ESL), and literacy. The frameworks contain basic information about the content of the course, the competencies the students need to master,…