The field of adult literacy and English as a Second Language would benefit from open debate on the issues surrounding professionalization. Such discussion would explore what being a profession means and the potential effects of economic rationalization, market forces, policy emphasis on job training, and the traditions of the field. (SK)

The term "illiterate" that is commonly used to describe someone who cannot read or write is an absolute term, which fails to recognize that those who are deemed "illiterate" are probably in fact "literate" to some degree. The approach taken to define and measure literacy in the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) acknowledges the limitation…

The Adult Education Program Study (AEPS) was conducted to provide comprehensive information about federally funded adult education programs and the skills of participants enrolled in those programs. The study had two primary goals. The first was to gather and disseminate information about the programs that constitute the adult education system in…

The ethnographic literature on literacy is marked by a characteristic divide between 'ideological' and 'autonomous' positions, the former being associated with the sociocultural approach adopted within the 'New Literacy Studies' (NLS) and the work of Brian Street, and the latter with the work of Jack Goody. The polarization between the approaches…

The field of adult literacy is complex. This complexity poses many challenges for literacy programs. This paper addresses the challenges of collaboration, diversity, attendance, assessment and professional development as they apply to adult literacy programs. Recommendations for increasing the success of literacy programs are provided.

The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's goal of achieving 100 percent international literacy by the year 2000 led the United Nations General assembly to proclaim 1990 as International Literacy Year. This proclamation was linked to the formulation of a plan of action to assist member states in all regions of the world…

This manual is designed to provide materials to help state and local bar associations become involved with the literacy issue. Chapter 1 provides an overview of illiteracy as a very serious problem. Chapter 2 describes major public and private efforts to combat illiteracy. Chapter 3 explains why the bar associations should be involved. Chapter 4…

A review of recent UNESCO statistics on world illiteracy, current strategies in literacy work, the author's ideas on eclectic integrated strategy versus a single policy for functional literacy, and suggestions for possible Commonwealth action are covered in this paper which was presented to a Commonwealth adult education seminar. (EA)

Presentations in this meeting were "Progress of World Experimental Literacy Programme" and "Present Situation in Various Experimental Projects." Discussions of these presentations concerned: (1) analysis and revision of the Plans of Operation (choice of the sphere of action, quantitative targets, and the time schedule of the projects); (2) the…

Discusses a study of the abilities of literates and adult nonreaders to recall and use information from a national network television news program. (JMF)

Describes the experience of a 19-year-old learning disabled woman who enrolled in a literacy program. After one year, she enrolled in a community college and was able to make plans for her future. (JOW)

Based on research gathered from literacy projects that utilize computers, recommends that computers be used in adult literacy programs. Points out that computers provide privacy, feedback, individualization, a feeling of control, and flexibility. (ARH)

Highlights the need for occupational literacy programs and provides brief guidelines for reading specialists interested in helping to develop such programs. (Auth/ARH)

The emphasis on adult education in Nigeria is designed to eliminate illiteracy and to ensure development of adult Nigerians by making education a lifelong process. This paper focuses on the concept of adult physical education to promote understanding, ramifications, and rationale for use in adult programs. (JOW)

Volunteer participation in adult literacy programs can be encouraged by (1) stressing the goals of helping individuals and long-term social value, (2) gearing expectations to students' abilities and progress, (3) emphasizing pragmatic methods to achieve students' goals, (4) stressing teaching methods adapted from daily interaction, and (5)…