Presents an overview of the problem of adult illiteracy and discusses what it means to be literate. Offers considerations pertaining to the teaching of literacy and of how technology might be used to facilitate this teaching. Concludes with recommendations about how to exploit the possibilities of technology in literacy education. (FL)

Presents the results of a survey of adult basic education (ABE) literature from 1977 to l983 and offers suggestions on the design of future ABE programs. (AEA)

This document presents the transcript of Congressional hearings held before the Committee on Labor and Human Resources on the scope and implications of illiteracy in the United States and on school and adult programs addressing literacy. After opening statements of the Hon. James M. Jeffords and the Hon. Christopher J. Dodd, the transcript for the…

The International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS), released on November 9, takes a closer look at Canadians' ability to deal with everyday literacy demands. In today's information-based society and economy, literacy is more important than ever. IALSS defines literacy as one's capacity to "use printed and written information to…

Two soft'' (non-formalized) models--the convergence model for R & D program management and a model of the processes of innovation in the public sector -- have been used in designing a strategy for a national right-to-read project. Covers the history of the project, an evaluation of the soft models, and a discussion of the conditions under…

Only excellent programs in literacy education can motivate an adult to develop or increase his reading skills; the direct economic advantages as well as the pleasures of reading must be made apparent. (JB)

The teaching of writing, an important element in reading instruction, is undervalued in literacy programs. Writing instruction must deal with negative attitudes, lack of self-confidence, and "writers block," as well as with mechanics. Many writing techniques can improve reading comprehension as well. They are essential to both tutorial or…

An analysis is provided of the belief that theories developed about literacy within different academic disciplines and development campaigns have been built around contradictory assumptions. The conclusion is made that research is needed in order to make literacy instruction more functional in adult literacy programs. (109 references) (GLR)

Discusses adult literacy and the need for appropriate instruction to prepare workers for job-related reading. (MG)

Assesses the relative influences of education, social environment, and current activities on the practical literacy of young adults in the United States. Shows that both early experience and current activities powerfully influence young-adult literacy and that early environmental advantages yield subsequent advantages that lead to wide disparities…

Examines four "puzzling" results of the National Adult Literacy Survey: (1) the ability to use printed information effectively is unevenly distributed in the United States; (2) adults exhibited a large gap between performance and perception of literacy skills; (3) increased literacy did not always correspond with significant earnings…

Despite multiple and persuasive arguments against the validity of doing so, many basic writers continue to be identified by what Brian V. Street calls the "autonomous model of literacy," a model that research tells us is as artificial and inappropriate as it is ubiquitous. This article describes a curricular response to the political,…

The purpose of this book is to introduce the research on readability, defined here as reading ease. The first part of the book covers how people read. A series of national literacy surveys show that the average person in the U.S. and most other countries are adults of limited reading skills. For example, the average adult in the U.S. reads at the…

Research was conducted into the metacognitive awareness of electronics workers in completing job reading tasks. The study examined how successful adult readers make decisions about why, when, and how to use reading on the job. It also identified unique aspects of the job reading context that both require workers to control their reading…

Designed to encourage newspaper involvement in adult literacy and to assist in launching newspaper literacy campaigns, this handbook complements the American Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation's slide/video media show. The handbook is in five sections: (1) The Challenge; (2) Why Become Involved in Literacy? (discussing personal and social…