Selected contributions from a workshop on competency-based adult education (CBAE) are presented in this monograph. The articles define the current trends in the theory and practice of CBAE. The monograph consists of five major sections. Section 1, the overview, offers a historical frame of reference, examination of terminology and definitions, a discussion of the nature of practitioner involvement/concerns, and current issues in CBAE. The second section, on programmatic perspectives, features articles discussing current philosophy and development of CBAE programs in basic education, pre-GED (general educational development) and GED preparation, English as a second language, vocational education, and three models of competency-based high school diploma programs. Other sections of the monograph discuss a model for CBAE staff development, administrative issues in CBAE, an examination of the current status and issues surrounding research and assessment in competency-based education and perspectives regarding the present and future role of CBAE in adult literacy education. (Author/CSS)