In this article, the author talks about UK Government's informal learning consultation by considering the role of the workplace. As John Denham set out at the launch of this consultation process in January, trade unions have been at the heart of such learning throughout their history; campaigning for education for all and for public libraries,…

The problems inherent to standardized minimum competency testing are discussed. (HTH)

This article explores research evidence on the teaching of reading from eight specific points: (1) readers engage in a complex, multi-level process that involves knowledge of sound-symbol relations, spelling patterns, vocabulary, sentence structures, propositional meanings, and realms of meaning beyond individual propositions; (2) literacy…

The "back to basics" movement in Australian elementary and secondary schools is criticized because it would take the culturally impoverished nineteenth-century elementary school as a model. It is suggested that despite some structural limitations, the establishment of state secondary schools has led to some widening of cultural…

Analysis of British government, employer, and union policies on lifelong learning reveals different emphases. A case study of a union-sponsored workplace basic skills program illustrates the competing agendas of competitiveness, equality, and union organizing. The role of further research to influence policy and practice was emphasized. (Contains…

Business, labor, and education representatives from Canada and the United States exchanged positions on workplace literacy. Discussed were the need for a consumers' guide to workplace literacy, labor's stake in literacy, educators' negotiations with businesses in providing services, and program evaluation. (JOW)

Examines contemporary "technocratic" and "progressive" approaches to literacy. Discusses "functional literacy" in relation to the classical model of "high literacy." Suggests research be guided by considerations of contextual factors influencing acquisition and use of literate abilities and organized in…

Reviews evidence regarding the content, standards, and use validity of the International Adult Literacy Survey's performance scales and self-assessment scales. Concludes that there are serious questions about the performance scales and that self-assessment data may help identify adults who believe they have poor literacy skills. Suggests that…

Responds to Andrew S. Hughes' preceding article in this issue of "Educational Leadership." Notes past American debates over basic and general education and warns that trends toward educational retrenchment in the U.S. and Great Britain may lead schools to limit the mass of students to basic literacy education. (RW)

Controversy over national testing programs for basic skills in Australia's elementary schools is discussed. The alternative suggested is to use those resources to improve local methods and skills in student assessment, depending more on the interest and abilities of those directly concerned with the students' learning. (MSE)

Discussion of educational methods appropriate for mature, non-standard entry students in an access course at the University of Luton (England) emphasizes the use of a "catalyst" to spark debate and critical thinking. The aim is to efficiently develop the basic skills required for higher education, thus enabling non-standard entry students to…

Few nations can claim that education is not a source of conflict. Although education alone cannot overcome all social evils, two problems can be attacked through a redirection of educational policies. The problems of illiteracy and of providing a basic education to all are the objectives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural…

Many of the problems faced by Chinese educators have a familiar ring: lack of leadership, need for basic skills improvement, poor teacher training, and disorderly students. (Author/JM)

This conference report on adult basic education in European prisons contains the following introductory materials: a list of participants, the program, and introductions to the seminar by Frank Dunne and Pierre Freynet. "Keynote Address" (Robert Suvaal) discusses five items a prison educator must deal with: philosophy, position of…

This booklet is concerned with how basic skills work with young people and adults can be maintained and developed in the next few years in light of Great Britain's Education Reform Act. An introduction provides a brief overview of the content of the act. Section 2 highlights the basic skills needs in England and Wales. In Section 3, current basic…