Using interviews provides insights into the lives of two groups of low-literate adults, in order to better understand the high attrition rate in adult literacy programs. Identifies ideology, conviction, and structural/environmental support as significant factors which are determiners of continued participation in such programs. Clarity in program…

Explores the relationship between participation in a Canadian urban adult literacy programs and employment status over three years. Finds that most participants returned to the same sort of low-paying jobs. Suggests that agencies and groups providing financial support for such programs reconsider the strong focus on employment that permeates these…

The use of six integrated learning systems (ILS) in adult basic education (ABE) programs in British Columbia was analyzed. The systems studied were as follows: Autoskill, Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC), Jostens (INVEST), Pathfinder, Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS), and Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations…

An impact study was conducted of ABC CANADA's LEARN campaign, a national media effort aimed at linking potential literacy learners with literacy groups. Two questionnaires were administered to 94 literacy groups, with 3,557 respondents. Findings included the following: (1) 70 percent of calls to literacy groups were from adult learners aged 16-44;…

A study examined the reading problems of adults in Newfoundland (Canada) with low reading ability. It explored the genesis of these problems through a retrospective analysis of their lives as school children; and determined the relationship between literacy development and personal background factors, school factors, physiological factors, and…

Noting that, generally, low-literate adults in Labrador and Newfoundland (Canada) are being helped only through the altruistic efforts of literate volunteers, this paper argues that adult literacy must be professionalized and become an integral part of the education system. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the definitions of literacy,…

A study determined the causes of adult literacy and illiteracy in Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada) as perceived by those in a position to set literacy policy, and used Statistics Canada data from a national adult literacy survey to critique some of these perceptions. Data for the first objective was gathered from a sample of 67 individuals…

The two issues of the 1991 volume of "Literacy Works," a publication of the Saskatchewan Literacy Network, cover two themes: "Literacy and Health" (spring issue) and "Focus on the Learner" (summer issue). The spring issue includes the following articles: "Just Read the Label and Follow the Directions" (A.…

The cost of illiteracy to Canadian society has been estimated at $10 billion per year, the cost to business at $4 billion. In addition, there are human and social costs upon which it is impossible to place a dollar value. Human costs are stress and low self-esteem, worse health, lower income, and inability to participate fully in social and…

This statement of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, focuses on the approaches that provincial ministers have taken to address the problem of adult illiteracy. First, it sets out concisely the nature and extent of functional illiteracy in Canada. Second, it describes a sample of the initiatives already under way to create effective…

This description and discussion of literacy activities and issues in Canada begins with an attempt to draw together various aspects of the historical developments on literacy and current definitions and attempts at measurement. Literacy's link with adult basic education is also studied. Elements of the global situation are highlighted, and some…

This May 2005 issue of "Federal Literacy Facts" contains the following sections: (1) Adult Literacy and Life (ALL) Skills Survey Shakes Things Up!; (2) Release Leads to Diverse Response; (3) Some ALL Highlights; (4) The Stakes Are High; (5) The ALL Survey: What's Next?; (6) Belinda Stronach: New Minister of Human Resources and Skills…

The work of Gee and Purves helps provide a framework for understanding cultural contexts and contextual boundaries of literacy. Gee (1991) uses the term "discourse"--a socially accepted association among ways of using language that can identify one as a member of a social context--synonymously with cultural context. Purves' (1991) work…

This guide is intended to answer the questions that literacy practitioners might have about the Accountability Framework and the Core Quality Standards approved by the Ontario Training and Adjustment Board (OTAB). Section I provides a background to development of the framework and standards. Section II focuses on what an accountability framework…

A diverse group of 27 adults completed 100 hours of computer-assisted reading instruction. Reading gains ranged from 0.4-7.5 grade levels and were greatest for subjects with a minimum pretest second grade reading level. Participants indicated the importance of skilled and empathic support from staff. (SV)