Australia's overall performance in the Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) ranges from average to very good. However, three million adults, representing one-fifth of the working age population, have low literacy and/or numeracy skills. Building Skills for All in Australia describes the characteristics of the low-skilled and discusses the consequences…

"Research Messages 2013" provides a summary of the research published in 2013 by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) in the following broad categories: (1) skills and productivity: from VET qualifications to higher-level qualifications and issues affecting the workforce; (2) social inclusion and participation in…

The three case studies featured in this publication need to be viewed in conjunction with the recent National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) report: "A New Social Capital Paradigm for Adult Literacy: Partnerships, Policy and Pedagogy" (Balatti, Black & Falk 2009). The case studies form an important research phase of…

A study aimed to enhance the opportunities and access to literacy training for women with a non-English-speaking background. Options are proposed for the development of literacy skills from which learners and teachers can choose to suit their own needs. (Contains 20 references.) (LB)

In a series of workshops, a women's writing group published books with sophisticated design and graphics aimed at an audience beyond the group itself. The value was not in publishing per se, but in learning, confidence, achievement of educational objectives, and relationships generated with the wider community. (SK)

Implications of the Australia Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) for the English language needs of long-term migrant residents, especially women, are discussed. It is suggested that the revised AMEP policy aims to involve a wider range of organizations and providers. (LB)

Investigates various influences and reasons why non-English-speaking women working in a small goods factory in Australia chose not to participate in workplace literacy courses. Presents perceptions of the nonparticipants, the course provider, the teacher, the personnel manager, and the researcher. Discusses barriers, motivation, networks and power…

A study of six women in an Australia literacy program at the Springvale Community Health Centre suggests that there are dangers in defining literacy needs in terms of economic productivity. Issues of self-worth and social support are also addressed. (Contains 19 references.) (LB)

This paper is based on a 1991 research study that examined non-English speaking background (NESB) women in Victoria, Australia. The women had past or current experience of paid work or were intending to participate in paid work, and they were taking or intending to take literacy and basic education courses. Some of the relationships between the…

This report presents findings of an evaluation of Australia's Adult Literacy Action Campaign (ALAC) to determine whether ALAC was promoting the development of communication, literacy, and numeracy skills and skills to facilitate greater and enriched participation in society. Chapter 1 sets out the methodology and approach, which included a…

Given the importance of proficiency in English for meaningful participation in Australian society and employment, a government-funded study examined the barriers to employment, training, and job promotion for 57 women with English language and literacy difficulties. Specific barriers are reported, including the new competency-based vocational…

These 12 papers reflect the range of issues and perspectives discussed at a forum that addressed three main topics: what a feminist critical literacy pedagogy is; a gender perspective of policy, organizations, and teachers' work; and concepts and practices of equity and inclusivity. The papers are as follows: "Questioning 'Progressive'…

Illiteracy is seen to be a feature of the Australian prisoner population. This belief has remained largely untested. A study compared the literacy abilities of prisoners to those found in the adult general population. Additionally, the study compared male and female prisoner literacy abilities. Assessments were made on a profile of literacy…

In view of recent Australian government policy favoring multiculturalism, a research study was undertaken to investigate the effect of literacy, bilingualism, and adult education and training on non-English speaking background (NESB) women in Australian society. NESB women have been identified as a migrant group with both special needs and…

One of a series of work-based interviews about occupations in Australia, this booklet presents an interview with 13 young women police constables about their jobs. The following questions are answered: what police constables do, what they do on the job, how they handle job stress and relationships, what they do and don't like about it, what kind…