Explains how the Cuban literacy campaign that began 25 years ago has given reading and writing skills and new social and economic opportunities to women. (SRT)

Literacy Volunteers of America is described as a grassroots effort that has grown to national proportions. An overview of its development and case studies of library literacy projects in various states are provided, and recommendations are made for continued and future library participation in the literacy effort. (EM)

Describes characteristics of dyslexics and contributions to understanding their special needs provided by Orton's research. Insights into needs of adult dyslexics based on classroom experiences are summarized, their implications for librarians are suggested, and provision of special training for tutors in Dane County (Wisconsin) public library…

The author outlines the development of adult literacy and other basic education in England and Wales in the last 10 to 15 years, places this development in the wider economic, social, and political context in the same period, highlights achievements during the past decade, and lists priorities for the future. (CT)

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)

Freire responds to questions about the relation between philosophy of language and pedagogy, the possible importance of a "magical way" of understanding material and political reality, his literacy experiments in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, his impressions of the U.S., and the power of his methodology in practice. (RDN)

Discusses the rationale for integrating writing in beginning literacy instruction, describes several successful writing activities, and includes recommendations for adult literacy educators. (AEA)

The teaching of writing, an important element in reading instruction, is undervalued in literacy programs. Writing instruction must deal with negative attitudes, lack of self-confidence, and "writers block," as well as with mechanics. Many writing techniques can improve reading comprehension as well. They are essential to both tutorial or…

Examines ways in which the evaluative criteria of literacy education are being displaced by those with a work force development focus. Illustrates the consequences of criterion bleed: the concept of basic skills is being shifted from a means of democratic participation to a tool for employment. Urges adult literacy educators to adopt a critical…

Presents the Pennsylvania State Coalition for Adult Literacy as a model for understanding state and local literacy coalitions. Cites elements of success in coalition building: trust, a sense of mission, strong leadership, and clear identification of the target populations of each member agency. (SK)

An analysis is provided of the belief that theories developed about literacy within different academic disciplines and development campaigns have been built around contradictory assumptions. The conclusion is made that research is needed in order to make literacy instruction more functional in adult literacy programs. (109 references) (GLR)

Discusses the need for balance in the research and evaluation of adult beginning readers in seven areas: program success and failure, problem definition versus adult competence, reminiscence versus current requirements, call to action versus knowledge, sociological and instructional diagnosis, assumption versus honest appraisal, and reporting on…

Compares and contrasts the goals and methods of community-oriented and individually oriented adult literacy programs to identify the ideological and methodological stances within each. Points out limitations of the distinction between the two and suggests ways that literacy educators can move beyond these limitations. (JOW)

Investigates factors in the development and implementation of two national literacy campaigns in the early 1970s, conducted by the British Broadcasting Corporation and the British Association of Settlements. Identifies the influence upon adult literacy today of issues arising in the campaigns: definition of literacy, arbitrary estimates of…

Discusses current definitions of intergenerational and family literacy, how school districts may become involved, strategies that families may implement, and how districts should remain part of the process that will lead to the empowerment of families and schools in the development of intergenerational literacy and the eventual achievement of the…