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…

Argues that qualitative research on the language needs of elderly refugees is critically important to developing responsive English-as-a-Second-Language programs for this group. (34 references) (GLR)

The Illinois Literacy Council's Long-Range Planning team interviewed more than 100 educators, business representatives, policy makers, and adult new readers to gather their thoughts about the state of literacy and how it might be improved. Their report raises 7 issues and presents 11 recommendations. The seven issues relate to the following: (1)…

Literacy policy has often developed independently of other social and employment programs. As a consequence, literacy tends to become an end unto itself, and assessment is directed more toward academic, archival ends than toward policy evaluation. Many justifications given for large-scale literacy programs are not based upon empirical data.…

This publication presents a collection of materials on the German experience with literacy education. A timeline offers a brief account of adult literacy in the Federal Republic of Germany. "Literacy as a Problem in the Federal Republic of Germany" identifies the causes and impacts of "second-order illiteracy" (the loss of…

This paper provides an overview of the issues and challenges facing postsecondary education in workforce development in the states. Key questions of employer, learner, and government and public expectations are listed as a suggested starting point for discussions between state, education, and business leaders about strategies for addressing these…

The marked decline in international interest in promoting adult literacy that has occurred over the last decade has had serious consequences for literacy education in third world countries. In general, planning and implementation of literacy instruction in these areas has neither improved nor adapted itself to changing circumstances. While the…

According to the most recent National Adult Literacy Survey, nearly half of Illinois adults lack sufficient reading proficiency to ensure job success and advancement in 21st century workplaces. The Test of Adult Basic Education is currently used as a pretest/posttest in Illinois' existing adult basic education, adult secondary education, and…

England's Learning and Skills Development Agency welcomes the introduction of a coherent national funding and delivery strategy for adult literacy, numeracy, and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). The agency believes that the strategy should incorporate the lessons of previous literacy and numeracy initiatives and build on examples of…

This book examines literacy for sustainable development in the age of information. It begins by discussing the relationship between literacy and hegemony, social policy, national language policy, colonial relations, and postcolonial realities. Also discussed in the introduction are views and definitions of literacy and considerations in mapping a…