The search for a definition of literacy is discussed under three headings: Literacy defined by its opposite, literacy defined by its properties, and components of the abstract concept. (TA)

Networking for adult literacy can provide opportunities for influencing legislation, enhancing communication among professional organizations, disseminating research findings, and generating funding for adult literacy programs. (JOW)

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…

Assuming that many undereducated adults resisted schooling in early years and are now resisting adult basic education (ABE) programs for similar reasons, this study examines young adults in literary fiction who resisted schooling. Implications and recommendations for ABE research are discussed. (JOW)

Suggests that the appropriateness of a methodology for the study of adult literacy programs be determined by assessing the extent to which the methodology speaks to the information needs and context complexity involved. (JOW)

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)

In exploring the relationship between ethics and adult literacy education, some of the major ethical principles of John Dewey are discussed. The actions of adult educators such as Myles Horton are used to demonstrate these principles. Finally, implications are suggested for ways these principles affect adult literacy programs. (Author)

This study described the reading processes of adults in reading programs by collecting oral reading miscues and retellings from 122 adults at reading levels one through eight. Results of factor and cluster analysis revealed the need to look beyond levels of word identification and comprehension in understanding how adults read. (JOW)

This document, written in the first person, describes the history and feelings of a woman who was functionally illiterate as an adult but who, having learned to read, is now a student at Rancho Santiago Community College District in Orange, California. This "open letter" urges teachers to support and encourage students with similar problems,…

This study challenged the assumption that all adults who did not complete high school are representative of the same low literate population. The 15-month qualitative study entailed conducting 79 in-depth biographical interviews with a diverse group of subjects. Several underlying concepts appeared to influence the adult development of the…

The London Procedure, a diagnostic/prescriptive instrument for adult basic education, is found to lack content validity, to make arbitrary interpretations of results, and not to reflect current research in literacy acquisition and learning disabilities. (SK)

The validity and usefulness of learning disabilities diagnoses have not been demonstrated. Identifying adult basic education students as learning disabled is not only unjustified but serves to confound understanding and remediation of their problems. (Author/JOW)

Suggestions are offered for incorporating George Herbert Mead's ideas on the structure of literacy instruction, the use of volunteer tutors, student assessments, and instructional activities. (JOW)

A personal visit by the author to Great Britain revealed a different approach to teaching literacy than commonly found in the United States. The British concept of literacy training placed a high value on the student's self-concept, on student responsibility, and on learner participation. (Author/CT)

The concept of content area reading (CAR) is introduced and implications are drawn for the teaching of reading in adult literacy and basic education programs. Included are (1) a definition of the concept, (2) background of reading-related problems, (3) practical approaches to functional reading instruction, and (4) the relationship between CAR and…