Literacy education is modeled along a continuum moving from a technical conception of literacy to a conception of literacy as praxis, or critical literacy. These competing models are contrasted, and special emphasis is given to one adult basic literacy organization that is managing to humanize the process. (Author/BJV)

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is leading a national strategy to improve the United Kingdom's financial capability (FSA, 2006). The strategy recognises that there is a need for Financial Literacy education across all areas of society, from children in school to mature adults in all walks of life. In order to meet this need and to be…

Research studies on class size date back to 1900. Common sense has suggested that small classes lead to greater academic achievement, but most research on the effects of class size on achievement have been inconclusive. Furthermore, the financial costs and political consequences of reducing class size have generally prohibited the adoption of…

This evaluation research report describes a program originally implemented to meet the needs of English dominant Hispanic students in an urban junior high school. The report combines qualitative and quantitative data in order to provide an understanding of the relationship of program goals, implementation procedures, and effects and delineates…

Not only one educational style, i.e., Formal 3-R, is right for all students. Alternatives should be offered to ensure that different student needs are met by the school curriculum. A planning/working time line is outlined. (Author/RK)

A chart illustrating features of the program at Gonzales (California) High School and a list of basic language skills required for graduation are included. (RD)

Describes Joliet Junior College's Academic Skills Center, which employs an open-lab concept to provide student referral services. Examines the use of diagnostic testing to identify specific skill deficiencies and the development of 19 multi-lesson learning modules to address identified problems. Explains student record-keeping procedures and…

Describes Oakton Community College's Critical Literacy Project (CLP), which includes a faculty seminar on critical thinking and analytical reading/writing, all-college staff development programming, and a national conference. Considers faculty ownership, college support, an interdisciplinary focus, and intellectual rigor among the keys to CLP…

The High/Scope educational approach emphasizes child-initiated learning activities for preschool/elementary school children. A research study shows that compared to children receiving direct instruction, High/Scope kids later showed more prosocial and less antisocial behaviors. Another study showed that poor High/Scope students had better…

In this paper we review the literature on the impact of workplace basic skills training on individuals, as measured by their effects on wages and employment probability. In addition, we also examine studies on the returns to individuals of general training at the workplace. On the whole, the evidence suggests that better numeracy and literacy…

In this study, Ridgway et al. found mixed results, depending on the assessment test used. With the Balanced Assessment (BA) test, positive significant differences were found between the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) students and non-CMP students in grades 6, 7, and 8. The results for the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) were less favorable…

This document provides a framework for local education agencies to monitor, support, and evaluate basic skills provision for adults. It sets out a general approach to evaluation based on three crucial factors in basic skills provision: inputs, process, and outcomes. It suggests some possible program indicators for basic skills, including average…

Examines the Abt Associates, Inc. findings on the effectiveness of Project Follow Through and disputes the report's conclusion that so-called "basic skills" approaches to the schooling of poor children are superior to other methods. (Author)

Reports on a study that (1) examined the effectiveness of computer-based education in developing literacy and mathematics skills in young adults to enable them to secure unsubsidized employment and (2) compared motivation of CETA-funded students with those who sought training voluntarily. Discusses failures of CETA training projects and makes…

This report describes the work of the schools in the Local Initiative Grants Programme (which funded, through the Basic Skills Agency, 103 secondary schools throughout England and Wales), and draws upon the most effective practice identified in aspects of basic skills provision. Emerging from the work of the Local Initiative Grants Programme are…