This chapter seeks to provide the field of education for adult English speakers of other languages--at local, state, and national levels--with a timely overview of the state of assessment in adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs in the United States. It also seeks to provide a brief description of assessment reform…

The pros and cons of integrated learning systems (ILS) and stand-alone software for adult literacy instruction were examined in a comparative analysis that focused on their use in adult literacy programs in Canada. The comparison focused on the following variables: achievement gains in reading; changes in students' attitudes toward computers;…

The 23 chapters of this book are as follows: "A Framework for Developing Partnerships" (Wendy M. Doughty); "Partnership Building in Nova Scotia" (Marjorie Davison, Paul Temple); "What Makes a Successful Workplace Education Partnership?" (Rob Despins et al.); "Building Linkages in Large Organizations: The Syncrude…

This packet contains four sets of newsletters. Some of the topics covered in the Spring 1993 edition include the following: the rhetoric of crisis discredited, ethics in business-education partnerships, teaching about editorials, the politics of workplace literacy, women and literacy programs in Canada, and a list of resources on native literacy.…

These guidelines provide basic literacy materials and materials directed toward the teaching of pre-employment skills and life skills, computational skills, and native cultural awareness for native adult students. The material is applicable in both urban and rural (on-reserve) situations and directed toward students between a non-literate and…

Existing programs and needs for adult basic education (ABE) in British Columbia were assessed. A research committee examined adults' educational opportunities up to and beyond literacy levels. ABE was found, in general, to be an area of neglect and low priority. Adult needs remain high; for instance, census data reveals that nearly half a million…

These eight bulletins, which are intended for literacy instructors, tutors, librarians, and others, contain reviews of literacy materials designed for use in adult literacy, adult basic education (ABE), and family literacy programs. Each review contains some or all of the following: title, author, publisher of the item being reviewed; information…

The International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) was a collaborative effort by seven governments and three intergovernmental organizations to describe and compare the literacy skills of people from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. Each country drew a probability sample from which results…

This book contains the personal narratives of six Canadian workplace education instructors. The opening article (Mary Ellen Belfiore) discusses the remaining narratives within the context of the theme that the essence of workplace education is teaching and learning in distinct cultures. "Math Works!" (Brian Nicholson) relates how…

This study examined current initiatives related to adult literacy in Canada. A literature search, interviews with government personnel, telephone surveys, faxed questionnaires, and interviews with key individuals were used to assess four kinds of initiatives (teaching/learning opportunities, support to programs, policy development, and…

Workplace literacy and basic skills may be defined as skills needed by employees at work: reading, writing, math, and problem solving. Workplace literacy and skill requirements are based on the needs of each workplace and its workers. These skills are important because the work force needs to be highly skilled and adaptable to compete in a global…

This guide provides teachers and administrators with one way of structuring the basic skills component of an adult basic literacy program and with an annotated bibliography of instructional materials. The curriculum guide discusses an integrated approach to basic literacy and presents case studies illustrating the process. A short bibliography of…

The Communications, Energy, and Paperworkers Union of Canada assessed literacy learning needs. In focus group discussions, members were asked their perception of such needs in the face of changes in the workplace and society; local union officers (LUOs) were asked how they saw the role of unions in supporting members' literacy learning; employers…

The question of whether inequality in skills explains inequality of earnings across advanced countries was examined through a review of data from the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS), which examined the prose, document, and quantitative literacy skills of adults in 12 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and…

Relationships exist between lifelong learning and community-based literacy programs, and Canada appears to have the kind of civic culture that takes literacy learning seriously, enjoying a strong civic or community context for literacy learning. Community literacy in Canada promotes the values and ideas of lifelong learning, legitimizing…