This essay offers a commentary on how the relationship between language and literacy practices in and out of school has been conceptualized. It draws upon two new books in the field. Shirley Brice Heath's new book, "Words at Work and Play: Three Decades in Family and Community Life," which makes use of rich ethnographic accounts of…

A case is described that tested the relevance of Freire's "liberationist pedagogy." One student's improved language skills resulted in changing smoking arrangements at the local bingo hall and in gaining personal social and political skills in the process. (Contains two references.) (LB)

Discusses relationship between school and home learning contexts and effects on literacy education and intervention. Many approaches to parental involvement erroneously assume parent competence, self-confidence, and interest; and focus on parents acting according to classroom norms. Programs should be didactic, provide continuity between home and…

Presents an overview of the problem of adult illiteracy and discusses what it means to be literate. Offers considerations pertaining to the teaching of literacy and of how technology might be used to facilitate this teaching. Concludes with recommendations about how to exploit the possibilities of technology in literacy education. (FL)

Problems in the definition of competency-based education are discussed. Theory and examples are cited in three areas: limited range of competencies, emphasis on knowledge rather than use, and lack of requirements for a phrasebook approach. (Contains four references.) (LB)

Some of the broad issues of literacy and national economy are addressed in this article, which provides a historical context for the claims frequently made by policymakers and employer organizations about the economic benefits of increased language skills. Contains 42 references. (LB)

This handbook provides useful information on using the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit (ALBSU) standards with English-as-a-Second-or-Other-Language (ESOL) students. The ALBSU standards were developed as the result of the Basic Skills Accreditation Initiative funded by the British Department of Education and Science and the Employment…

As the large immigrant/refugee population in the United States ages, mainstream institutions, such as schools, workplaces, and social services, are increasingly challenged to meet the needs of elders. Certain themes and difficulties in acculturation emerge repeatedly, including financial insecurities, health issues, loneliness and isolation,…