Dr. Jacobson's analysis of "hard to serve" is well founded, especially from an academic and theoretical perspective, yet the author is left wanting. Is the solution to merely change the language, the terminology of the legislation, or the terminology used by policy makers as well as practitioners? Are these adults hard to serve or ill…

In this response to Stephen Brookfield's "Why White Instructors Should Explore Their White Racial Identity" (EJ1246146), Edith Gnanadass writes her response from the point of view of an adult educator with a multiplicity of identities in her critique of Brookfield's concept by going beyond his call for reflection of one's own whiteness.…

The potential of practitioner-led action research (PLAR) to contribute to professional development in adult literacies work is considered from two perspectives. First, a recent initiative in Scotland is examined to illustrate PLAR implemented as professional development. The structural factors needing to be addressed for PLAR to contribute to…

The field of adult literacy and English as a Second Language would benefit from open debate on the issues surrounding professionalization. Such discussion would explore what being a profession means and the potential effects of economic rationalization, market forces, policy emphasis on job training, and the traditions of the field. (SK)

In exploring the relationship between ethics and adult literacy education, some of the major ethical principles of John Dewey are discussed. The actions of adult educators such as Myles Horton are used to demonstrate these principles. Finally, implications are suggested for ways these principles affect adult literacy programs. (Author)

This position paper outlines what teachers in English language and literacy positions need to know and be able to do; what professional associations, providers of teacher development, and employers should do; and what action steps the Australian Literacy Federation will take. (SK)

Staff working with adult literacy clients take a six-step exploration of power: (1) defining power as degree of choice available; (2) identifying factors enabling choice; (3) examining schools' role in reproducing social relations; (4) comparing social status; (5) depicting participants' place on the power differential continuum; and (6)…

Australian governmental bodies as well as professional associations have published reports and guidelines on teacher competence in adult literacy and English as a Second Language. The profession itself needs to make explicit its values and ethics and describe itself in a way that promotes good practice. (SK)

Includes "Staff Development for Educators Working with Black Communities" (Lewis, Murray); "The Changing Scene in Wales" (Poole); "Staff Development in Open College Networks" (Mager); "Staff Development in the Provision of Adult Literacy and Basic Skills" (Wells); and "European Aspects" (Oglesby).…

This report presents a conceptual and structural framework for adult education staff development in Virginia. It recommends to Virginia adult educators and policymakers a set of structures to support staff development activities and then offers a philosophy to guide activities within those structures. The report first traces 2 years of a staff…

As the literacy requirements for functioning in today's society continue to increase, so do the qualifications and level of professional development that is expected of those who provide literacy education to adults. Historically, it has been assumed that, with a modest amount of preparation, anyone can teach any other adult to read. Recently,…

This paper looks at the following aspect of the professionalization of adult education in India: professional training of adult educators. It first defines professionalization and then discusses the following essential prerequisite for that process: the development of a well-designed professional training program with adequate institutional…

The Partnership for Reading (PFR) in the United States has recently thrown its hat into the ring of adult literacy research and practice. Its information about adult literacy comes, almost entirely, from the National Reading Panel's (NRP) data on children. Building its case from the NRP data, the PFR advocates for a narrow, school-based conception…

These 15 papers cover a wide range of topics and perspectives on the work of Adult Literacy and Basic Education (ALBE) practitioners in Victoria, Australia, in the contemporary ideological and political context. A preface (John Wilson) and introduction (Delia Bradshaw) begin the anthology. The papers are as follows: "...A…

Based on Heilbruner's thesis (1959) in "The Future as History," an understanding of the historical strengths, weaknesses, institutional forms, and trends in adult education can help predict its future. The flexibility and diversity of adult education have been tremendous advantages. They have also contributed to the confusion over what adult…