This Congressional hearing deals with the views of the private sector concerning adult illiteracy. Included among those organizations and firms represented at the hearing were the following: the Free Library of Philadelphia, B. Dalton Bookseller, the Hispanic Higher Education Coalition, Polaroid Company, Laubach Literacy Action, and the…

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the socio-economic factors that can be expected to influence the education system in Portugal, where urbanization has been very slow. The report examines basic needs in Portugal's 18 districts and makes recommendations about resource allocation to planners of adult education programs. Extensive…

The age at which women marry and bear chldren can influence their health and well-being and that of their chi dren. This fact is at the heart of the analysis contained in this document which was a result of a study of the World Fertility Survey (WFS) and other data pertaining to global demographics. The document is comprised of seven sets of…

This handbook presents annotated "snapshots" of 10 innovative family literacy programs, almost all of which were begun by an individual with a vision of a new way to solve a demanding educational problem. Profiles depict, in terms of background, characteristics, evidence of success, and advice to policymakers and practitioners, the: (1)…

Computerized analysis of 1980 Census data documented educational deficiencies in 85 Central Appalachian counties of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Dropout rates among youth ages 16-19 were found to be higher in Central Appalachian counties than in non-Central Appalachian counties, the poorest counties had the highest dropout…

This primer is designed to provide a step-by-step guide for state policymakers and state agency officials interested in assessing the literacy skills of the people of their state. Chapter 1 describes the importance of assessing the literacy skills in each state. Literacy is discussed as an economic necessity, a requirement for a healthy democracy,…

The Army's Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP) was studied to consider whether it was properly designed to determine the basic skills needed in Army jobs and to be effectively implemented. Information and reports on BSEP were reviewed, and three major commands were selected for evaluation. In designing the program, the Army did not identify the…

This evaluation used ethnographic data collection methods to discover why IBM's PALS (Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System met with different degrees of success at the two Massachusetts pilot sites after 2 years of operation: the North Central Correctional Institute (NCCI) in Gardner, and the Brightwood Branch Library in Springfield. Three…

The Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit (ALBSU) analyzed draft plans, required by the Education Reform Act 1988, from about 40 percent of the local education authorities (LEAs) in England and Wales to identify basic skills and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) provisions for adults. Topics of concern were the maintenance of programs…

This examination of the relationship between illiteracy and the labor market in California describes in general terms the effects of widespread illiteracy on employers, the unemployed, employees, and the California economy. It discusses current programs which address the lack of basic literacy skills in the labor market, and identifies some of the…

This report provides a summary and evaluation of a retreat held for the directors and literacy coordinators of the 46 public libraries participating in the California Literacy Campaign (CLC), their supervisors, State Library staff, and members of the California Library Services Board. Following a brief introduction and overview, descriptions of…

This paper describes the programs to be undertaken in the State of California for fiscal years 1988-1992, pursuant to the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). Introductory materials review the LSCA, the State Advisory Council on Libraries, the state's growth and development, a Legislative Statement of Intent, and the State Library's…

A $100,000 appropriation for fiscal year 1986 directed the Washington State Board for Community College Education and the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish a pilot program for coordinating the efforts of volunteer literacy tutors. The 12 projects funded by the program recruited and trained 1,473 volunteer tutors and…

It is well documented that individuals with poor verbal, reading and writing skills face disadvantages. However, many individuals with such difficulties lead successful lives. This project investigated the ways in which ten individuals have achieved success despite difficulties with literacy and learning. The life stories are presented in digital…

This report describes the progress of the Michigan Adult Literacy Initiative (MALI), adopted by the Michigan Board of Education in 1985, through 1990. It covers the collaborative accomplishments of a statewide team of literacy supporters that represents a comprehensive spectrum of public and private concerns. Part I is an introduction that…