Examines factors contributing to the lack of effective literacy programs for adults. (FL)

Examines some of the central issues of world literacy and national literacy programs and discusses both their difficulties and successes. (AEA)

Describes characteristic literacy problems of the U.S. workforce and reports on industry's efforts to close the gap between the skills brought to the job and those required on the job. (HOD)

Notes that while a number of viewpoints about adult literacy assessment exist, no one perspective dominates the field. Argues that both standardized tests and competency-based assessment poorly serve the adult learner. Argues that assessment of the adult learner can be conducted on an informal, nonthreatening basis. (RS)

Reviews research on the average reading level in the United States, on how well the average American needs to read, and on what the average American can and does read. (MKM)