The heterogeneous nature of learning disabilities has led to confusion regarding their definition and their intervention. Although the law protects adults with learning disabilities both in the workplace and classroom, it provides only a broad definition that has been subject to many interpretations. There is a paucity of longitudinal research on…

This report of the 40th anniversary meeting of the Unesco Institute for Education (UIE) discusses the Institute's program which has consistently reflected a concern with education as a lifelong phenomenon. Current priorities are the promotion of literacy and adult basic education, the extension of educational opportunities to children and young…

In March 1988, the Institute for Literacy Studies at Lehman College, New York, initiated a short-term, participatory research project in alternative assessment. It consisted of two major components--a five-session seminar held for two hours on Wednesday afternoons in May and June and two rounds of interviews with Adult Learning Center (ALC)…

Literacy trends among Black adults in the Republic of South Africa and in some Black states in southern Africa were determined from data obtained from population census reports from 1946 to 1970. Problems concerning the determination of literacy statistics included differing definitions of literacy and data that were subjective, difficult to…

A study of the philosophies and practices of community-based literacy programs focused on their nature, characteristics, and needs. Five activities were conducted: determination of criteria for defining literacy programs as community-based; program identification; survey and interview of program directors; meetings and follow-up conversations with…

This annotated bibliography contains listings of 7 publications on literacy, 16 on reading, and 14 on writing. These professional materials include books, collections of articles, research reports, proposals, program descriptions, descriptions of teaching methods, dictionaries, teacher guides, and exercises/strategies for the learner. Materials in…

TWELVE RESEARCH REVIEWS IN THIS ISSUE PERTAIN TO YOUTH AND ADULTS UNEMPLOYED OR AT WORK, ONE OF THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN IDENTIFIED BY THE PANEL OF CONSULTANTS ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION. THEY ARE ORGANIZED UNDER THE TOPICS--(1) EXPANDING EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES WHICH INCLUDES PATTERNS OF ADULT INFORMATION SEEKING, PREDICTION OF…

A 3-year research project (1974-77) in connection with the national campaign against adult illiteracy involves assessing the role of broadcasting in motivating adults to ask for help, investigating appropriate instructional media, and correlating the various learning situations and the subsequent social benefits. Some problems of research design…

A national survey identified the extent of computer technology use in adult literacy programs and explored the attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of adult literacy providers in implementing technology. It also conducted a systematic inventory of the types of computer technology currently in use in adult literacy programs. In recent years, a…

Based on three studies of adult literacy in Iowa, this book identifies policy issues raised by research on adult literacy and recommends solutions. It also examines adult literacy education from the perspective of the learners themselves in order to inform improved practice. The book addresses six basic questions that are the topics of the first…

The purposes of a study were to (1) obtain the perceptions of state directors of adult education on selected research topics; (2) identify national priorities that will have an impact on the adult education program; and (3) investigate adult education programs that could enhance the educational development of 52 million educationally disadvantaged…

A comprehensive profile of the adult learner and his or her literacy performance was educed by examining factors that are manifestations of both the formal school experience and the environment. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the tenability of 10 research hypotheses that each included one of the 10 literacy subtests of the…

Several factors have been involved in elevating education as a prime issue of national concern. One such factor has been the advent of new technologies; another has been the report by the National Commission on Excellence which found a steady decline in Scholastic Aptitude Test Scores, an increase in adult illiteracy, selection of nonrigorous…

The major purposes of the project were to determine the nature of the literacy problem in the Army by studying the literacy demands of Army jobs together with the literacy skills of Army personnel, and to develop a literacy training program to provide job-related-functional, literacy skills. Literacy research and development performed by HumRRO…

Discourse analysis reveals how the meanings of literacy are both socially produced and variable between different discourses. A recent consultation with researchers is used to demonstrate how the outcomes were influenced by the discourses of participants and organizers. An argument is made to establish a literacy discourse analysis tradition to…