This issue begins with "Listen to a New Word: Publishing from the Grassroots" (Rachel Martin) about a movement to publish the writings of adult literacy participants. The article looks at what these writings have to say about the world and why the world needs to listen. "Effective Practice: Panning for Gold" (Zona Johnson,…

This report identifies the school variables (facilities, materials, equipment, class size, time, and scheduling) and teacher competencies that contribute to achievement in the basic skills. Gleaned from a literature review, the opinions of experts, research data, and identified student outcomes, the materials that accomplish the two goals are…

Evaluation of adult literacy programs requires different criteria from those used to judge regular schooling. Indicators for evaluating adult voluntary programs with individualized curricula are recruitment; retention, including absenteeism; one-on-one tutoring with volunteers; training in a context; support services; the "quick-fix" syndrome;…

A nationwide study was conducted to examine how U.S. colleges and universities organize, staff, and operate their various programs to meet the needs of the low-achieving student and to document the extensive literacy problem facing all institutions of higher education. Every two- and four-year college in the country was surveyed, and 58% (N=1,452)…

This brief lists computer-based adult literacy training materials. The listings are divided into three sections: work force/workplace literacy curricula; general curriculum/program development; and guides and research reports. The first section contains nine programs or sets of program materials (including computerized and print materials): Basic…

Eight vocational and academic classes taught by four different teachers at three comprehensive high schools were studied to identify classroom practices that facilitate teaching and learning generic skills. The teachers studied had a mix of instructional goals for students, including subject matter knowledge and skills, complex reasoning skills…

This brief describes 14 national technical assistance organizations for work force and workplace literacy. Descriptions contain these types of information: specific areas of expertise, experience, or specialization; types of organizations with which it has worked; types of programs or services offered; geographic areas served; and clients. The…

Achieving good quality in Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) training is hampered by the lack of a common definition of quality. Five ideas have been consistent in definitions: targeting programs; long-term, in-depth training; basic education; work skills training; and supportive services and guidance. A definition must include suggestions on how…

This packet contains the four quarterly newsletters published by the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit in England in 1988. The Winter issue contains the following articles: "Staff Accreditation"; "Afraid to Fail"; "Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Libraries: Potentials Realised"; and "Literacy Work with Local Employers." The Spring issue…

Chandler (Arizona) High School has reported a dramatic increase in student achievement levels since implementing a number of management, curriculum, and discipline policy changes. Among the program changes that contributed to these gains are: (1) creation of a positive school environment, with high expectations for teachers, emphasis on high…

This paper considers three areas related to the testing of minimum knowledge and skills: public policy, the nature of higher-order thinking and selected aspects of educational measurement. The discussion of public policy issues centers around an apparent dichotomy of egalitarianism and elitism in public education, schooling and the public economy,…

Designed primarily for English faculty at two-year colleges in California, "Inside English" includes articles on major instructional, curricular, administrative, and employment issues of concern to teachers in the field as well as information on the activities of the English Council of the California Two-Year Colleges (ECCTYC). The Fall 1977, and…

This document presents diagnostic and prescriptive techniques that will enable teachers to enhance secondary school students' learning through reading in content areas. Three terms used in the document are defined in Section I: "vocabulary skills" include word attack skills, sight word skills, and word meanings; "comprehension skills" are literal,…

This bulletin reports relevant research in the basic skills areas of reading, language arts, and listening that has been organized and interpreted for the administrator, supervisor, and classroom teacher. The various sections provide information in the following areas: indicators related to learning in school settings, including school, class,…

This document contains the 2000-2001 issues of Mt. San Antonio College's (Mt. SAC's) "Insights on the College." The first issue, "Mt. SAC Progress Report on Partnership for Excellence Goals," is a report on the self-assessment of the Partnership for Excellence (PFE) program conducted by Mt. SAC. The PFE program addresses the…