This publication presents statistics on educational attainment and illiteracy by country, age, sex, and other characteristics where available. Data are derived from censuses and surveys carried out since 1945, supplemented by a limited number of estimates. Most of the basic data is taken from the "Demographic Yearbook Population Census"…

A 1970 census revealed that approximately half of the male population in the state of Georgia, 25 years of age or older, had completed fewer than eight years of school, the minimum requirement for literacy according to the United States Office of Education. In addition to the yearly income lost by these males (which amounts to 175 million…

Serious problems were posed by North American pioneer efforts to force their traditions on Eskimos, Indians, and Aleuts. Fortunately, other pioneers, such as home economists and district agents with the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service, responded to villagers' home and community needs. The University of Alaska also pioneered in…

This monograph contains eleven exemplary articles that focus on topics related to competency-based adult education. Among the articles included are (1) Competency Based Education: Is It Applicable to Adult Education Programs?, by James E. Hertling; (2) What Adult Performance Level Is--and Is Not, by William G. Spady; (3) Competency Based…

The study is intended to begin the process of collecting, coordinating, and disseminating basic information about adult literacy projects and classes in England. Spanning the years 1950 to the present, the data are based on questionnaires sent to all listed adult literacy projects in England. Following a review of the history, background, and…

The instructional concept guide is part of a system developed for tutor training and support. It is primarily designed for volunteers, but it can also be adapted to the training of paraprofessional tutors for any type of adult literacy program. A key component in the system is the Tutor Support Library, consisting of Instructional Concept Guides…

Using the Rokeach's Dogmatism Scale (DS) the researcher attempted to show that the farther an individual proceeds in his education, the less authoritarian he becomes. The population comprised 96 functional illiterates, aged 20 to 60 years; and 36 graduate students, aged 20 to 60 years. The instrument, which was validated by 7 out of 10 previous…

The UNESCO Courier's estimate of 700 million totally illiterate persons world wide and estimate of 10 million functionally illiterate persons in the United States are cited. Advantages to being literate are discussed which pertain to the welfare of the individual himself and society in general. The 16 trends in the development of literacy programs…

This document includes five papers on teaching reading skills to illiterate adults. The first discusses the stages of development in acquiring reading skills--introduction, application, and mastery; and suggests two steps which should be taken with reference to reading instruction for illiterate adults--sub groups within the target population…

This study aimed to establish standards of excellence for a television series of literacy programs; to describe the planning, production, and broadcast of one series, Operation Alphabet; and to measure the performance against the standards. A series of 100 1/2-hour programs, operation Alphabet was aimed at achieving the third grade reading level.…

A federally funded research and development center focused solely on adult learning, the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) is a partnership of the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, World Education, Rutgers University, Portland State University in Oregon, and the Center for Literacy Studies at the…

This guide provides suggestions and materials for the development and implementation of a Health Literacy Forum to be coordinated by a local, county, or state Department of Public Health. Health Literacy Forums, already implemented in several cities and states, have increased awareness about literacy skills of U.S. adults and health implications.…

"The Review of Adult Learning and Literacy: Connecting Research Policy, and Practice, Volume 4" is an addition to a series of annual publications of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) that address major issues, the latest research, and the best practices in the field of adult literacy and learning.…

The national literacy movement in the United States can be traced to attempts to educate black former slaves after the Civil War. Prior to that time, most blacks received little education because whites saw no economic need to educate those who served them in menial jobs. The fact that most slaves were denied education provided the impetus for the…

This report presents findings from a review of international trends in adult literacy and numeracy to identify innovative programs of interest to Australia. Section 1 offers definitions of literacy. Section 2 outlines the international context. Section 3 has case studies of innovative approaches in four Organization for Economic Cooperation and…