Argues that for tribe members in Thailand's primitive mountain areas, learning to read can provide an entirely new outlook on life. (RB)

Reviews materials in the ERIC system on the nature of on-the-job reading and instructional strategies to surmount work-related reading difficulties. (HTH)

Summarizes the findings of John Bormuth's study of the economic benefits of literacy to American society (published in the journal "Visible Language"), concluding that literacy is worth far more than it costs to produce and is indispensable to the economy. (DD)

Provides precise definitions of the terms literacy and basic skills and shows the natural connection between them. (HOD)

Presents a case for a qualified reading specialist directing a staff trained and competent in reading disabilities at the secondary level. (RB)

Reviews the research on reading achievement for the last 50 years and concludes that anyone who knows that literacy is declining is ignoring the data. (RB)

Describes an assessment instrument for evaluating basic reading skills, the Minimal Reading Proficiency Assessment. (TO)

Argues that poetry can enhance the reading and writing skills of poor readers, while it helps them develop confidence with language. Shows how poetry can work in an Adult Basic Education literacy class, by looking at the writing of one particular student. (SR)

Urges that a complete science education curriculum should teach the communication skills of reading, listening, writing, and speaking, as well as the practice of literacy in scientific areas. (AEA)

Details a study indicating that the minimal level of literacy necessary for adults in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is very high. Provides a master list of vocabulary words, symbols, numbers, abbreviations, computational skills, and writing skills needed for functional literacy. (MKM)