The methods for teaching literacy must employ joy, inquiry, openness, and appreciation of difference or the literacy achieved will be rote, mechanical and subservient to rules and order. (DD)

Provides suggestions for designing customized basic skills instruction using work-related reading needs. Highlights opportunities for adult educators in workplace literacy. (SK)

The principal aspects that characterize the illiteracy problem in 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries and the achievements of 22 currently established literacy programs were determined through a 1981 UNESCO study. The purpose of this study was to obtain data useful in the planning of future literacy programs. Section one identifies…

Indicates that responsibility for literacy occurs at both the preschool and adolescent years, that the experiences of students are being valued and built upon as well as being enriched by a variety of literary models, and that the interwoven nature of writing and reading is becoming a major ingredient in classrooms. (EL)

This theme issue addresses the systemic and institutional barriers that impact urban adult basic education learners and programs in the United States. Focuses on provisions of the Workforce Investment Act (1998) and literacy education. (SLD)

Given the large gap between the millions of adults in need of basic literacy skills and the shortage of teachers, tutors, and funds to serve them, computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has the potential to reduce the gap. The merits of CAI include its holding power, provision of a positive learning environment, opportunity to learn about computers,…

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,…

Fred Hechinger, assistant editor of "The New York Times" editorial page, states that the teaching of literacy is not as bad as the media say, nor so good as the experts in English claim. Here he evaluates the importance of reading and writing and makes some suggestions for improving attitudes towards television. He also invites teachers to join in…

Although at-risk students often begin school academically behind, Direct Instruction's highly structured approach can help them catch up. Skills are presented orally. Outcomes of Project Follow Through show that children starting Direct Instruction in kindergarten were accelerated about seven months over those who started in first grade. (MLH)

A collaborative, holistic, and integrated approach to workplace education is needed to deal with a complex workplace and world. Critical elements include financial and organizational commitment to education and training, comprehensive program evaluation, balanced emphasis on worker skills, a challenge to the deficit model, and alternatives to the…

This report discusses the place of numeracy in adult education, examines conceptions of what numeracy and numeracy provision might include, and explores links between literacy and numeracy provision. Section A takes a critical look at how much attention is being paid to mathematics education in adult education/adult literacy programs and addresses…

The literacy problem in the Cleveland area and recommendations for dealing with it are presented in this booklet. Beginning with a definition of literacy and a discussion of the human costs and economic consequences of illiteracy, the booklet advocates reducing adult illiteracy, eliminating basic skills deficits, and improving communications…

A few years ago, the concept of non-formal education was virtually unknown in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Today, however, many understand the importance and relevance of non-formal education activities. This evolution is due to the implementation in several Laotian provinces of "Women's Literacy and Basic Skills Training," a…

Discusses the current status of and future projections for the National Institute of Education sponsored Program in Community College Education at the University of Texas at Austin, which was designed to produce a theory and method of literacy training for the culturally different student. (CAM)

A mother's literacy is the best predictor of a child's academic success. However, intimidated, undereducated parents are unlikely to become involved in their children's learning. The most promising family literacy programs provide intensive, multifaceted literacy services for the whole family. Sample Kenan Model programs are adult basic skills…