The Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) will establish technical standards and guidelines to ensure that the survey design and implementation processes of PIAAC yield high-quality and internationally comparable data. This document provides a revised version of the technical standards and guidelines originally…

This paper is concerned with the implications of a social view of literacy for the policy and practice of adult literacy. Taking the example of a recent literacy project in South Africa and comparing this with the author's own ethnographic research among learners from the National Literacy Programme in Namibia, the paper discusses the possible…

Consists of six articles reporting on workshops and panel discussions of literacy from a Hispanic perspective. The discussions took place at a forum on "Literacy: The First Chapter of the American Dream." (CH)

The authors address the diminishing of subcultural influence through prevalent culture education programs. Their three-part approach includes (1) examining the reasons for mainstream involvement in educating the subculture, (2) exploring the values of tradition in the subculture, and (3) providing a framework for educators working with…

Demonstrates how Gibb's principles of learning have influenced case study outcomes from a holistic perspective. Presents abstracts of strengths, weaknesses, and instructional strategies from 15 case studies and compiles the information to present an instructor/learner situation. Principles of the holistic approach to teaching adult literacy are…

Presents public policy issues that affect literacy among women. Discusses the economic jeopardy cycle of illiteracy, increased labor force participation of women, and family needs as factors which compel advocacy for programs aimed at increasing female literacy levels. Examines the illiteracy rate among women and its effect on employment. Includes…

Discusses the National Literacy Mission (NLM) launched in 1988 in India. Notes the barriers to successful campaigns for literacy in India. Describes the reasons for the particularly successful campaign in the state of Kerala, including the fact that it was in every sense a people's campaign. (SR)

The low level of participation in adult basic education by older adults with minimal education invites consideration of the impact of illiteracy on older adults. Discussed are the role of reading among this population, the adequacy of commonly used definitions and measures of literacy for older adults, and recommendations for research and…

Describes the National Institute for Literacy's Literacy Information and Communication System as a national electronic network for literacy providers that focuses on comprehensiveness, ease of access, consistent format, and availability of support services for the state literacy resource centers whose home pages are linked. Seven websites are…

The author discusses the problem of adult illiteracy. Funding sources for adult basic education are reviewed. Suggestions regarding how vocational educators can help solve the literacy problem are included. Initiatives suggested include (1) diversification, (2) collaboration, (3) partnerships, and (4) renewal. (CH)

Practitioner inquiry groups formed by Pennsylvania adult literacy practitioners provide an alternative to traditional professional development. The network provides opportunities for sharing contextualized knowledge and acquiring new ways of practice. (SK)

Contains an analysis of prevailing practices in adult literacy volunteer programs. Considers selected research, literature, and programs, mostly from the context of the burgeoning emphasis on literacy voluntarism in the United States. Neglected questions of policy and practice are raised. (Author/CH)

Discusses the needs of women who are returning to school for adult basic education. Provides suggestions for meeting the needs of this group in terms of professional action, counselor education, teacher training, grants, financial support, publication, and volunteerism. (JAC)

Details the design and implementation of a rolling review process for community-based adult literacy programs. Describes four steps: documentation to become "review ready," collection of feedback from participants and key informants, site visit by reviewers, and use of the evaluation report as a planning tool. (SK)

Given the large gap between the millions of adults in need of basic literacy skills and the shortage of teachers, tutors, and funds to serve them, computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has the potential to reduce the gap. The merits of CAI include its holding power, provision of a positive learning environment, opportunity to learn about computers,…