This article explores the complexity of learning the literacy practices and conventions in the discipline of English language arts. Literacies are explored in the areas of writing/composition, reading/literature, and language/grammar, with attention to the situated nature of proper expression and understanding with respect to each. The author…

The role of functional literacy, linked to employment, leads to a narrow view of rural learners' need both economically and socially. The drive for individuals to take responsibility for their own learning and development is, indeed, a good thing. However, the burden of guilt felt by those who are unable, or unwilling, to achieve the standards set…

One hundred sixty adult basic education students functioning at or below the sixth-grade level rated the extent to which they needed to learn 20 functional tasks. Factor analysis suggested three broad categories: everyday reading and writing, math and measurement, and special literacy tasks. Cluster analysis identified distinct subgroups based on…

Presents issues and research concerning the assessment and education of incarcerated juvenile offenders. Summarizes the special needs and problems of this population, examines programs and offender characteristics, and suggests an evaluation outline. Proposes an evaluation model for use in juvenile educational programming and offers suggestions…

Describes a functional education program, financed by UNICEF and developed in India, which offers meaningful solutions to the daily life problems of students in third world nations. Presents learning activities related to self-employment which include functional literacy skill development as a byproduct. (NEC)

Discusses the multicultural education thrust to reduce illiteracy, as well as the linkage between language and identity. It is argued that encouraging literacy requires sensitivity to both roles of the tension between core knowledge and skills and the promotion of group values and culture. (60 references) (GLR)

Relates Victorian attitudes toward education by a forgotten 19th century liberal educator concerned with proper moral education. Concludes that uses and development of basic literacy are severely bound by individual and social contexts and that basic literacy does not, in itself, wield a magical transforming power for learning and life. (TRS)

Examines the need for literacy training in countries without well-established educational programs, focusing on Africa. Argues that literacy programs as traditionally practiced cannot provide a base for lifelong education, but that functional and consciousness-raising programs can act as a first step in developing sound lifelong learning programs.…

Reviews and analyzes studies conducted on functional literacy among older adults. The results indicate conceptual confusion, an obviously undereducated older population, inadequate measurements, and samples with disproportionate percentages of older persons. Conclusions indicate the need for educational gerontologists to increase efforts at…

Discussion of the Nigerian government's efforts to improve agricultural productivity focuses on the role of rural libraries. Highlights include the neglect of libraries, the need for functional education for farmers, the role of library services, libraries as distributors of extension materials, and suggestions for improvements. (LRW)

Issues that are relevant to promoting the intellectual potential and trained competence of the U.S. population are addressed. Important concerns include the following: preventing retardation among unborn children and young children; providing essential early childhood experiences through programs such as Head Start; and insuring literacy among…

In 2000, approximately 877 million adults worldwide were illiterate and 113 million children did not attend school. More than two-thirds of those individuals lived in East and South Asia, and two-thirds were females. Functional illiteracy remains high in developed and developing nations alike. The reasons include weak training in how to teach…