This handbook presents a wide range of research on adults who have low literacy skills. It looks at the cognitive, affective, and motivational factors underlying adult literacy; adult literacy in different countries; and the educational approaches being taken to help improve adults' literacy skills. It includes not only adults enrolled in adult…

This compilation includes programmes which promote language and culture as resources and see them as an added value rather than a challenge for literacy teaching and learning. It also includes programmes designed to support migrants and refugees by equipping them for integration into mainstream society while strengthening their literacy skills in…

The purpose of this study was to examine how a family literacy text linked to a large-scale, U.S.-based family literacy program either privileged or disprivileged dominant, Eurocentric literacy practices. More specifically, this study investigated the ways in which the family literacy text: (1) conceptualized literacy; and (2) constructed the role…

This newsletter, published five times a year, features articles on issues of concern to adult, family, and youth literacy practitioners, as well as recommended resources, announcements, and teaching strategies. (1) Creating a 21st Century Adult Literacy System (Martin C. Finsterbusch); (2) What Research Can Tell Us (Stephen Reder); (3) Skills the…

Now in its third edition, the "Handbook of Research on Teaching the English Language Arts"--sponsored by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English--offers an integrated perspective on the teaching of the English language arts and a comprehensive overview of research in the field. Prominent…

A systems perspective of adult literacy assessment stresses use of comprehensive, holistic strategies. For literacy methods, systems theory emphasizes the holistic nature of the adult in relation to the complex web of systems. Systems theory applied to materials reflects the plurality of literacies and the need for a variety of materials. (SK)

Designed for use by persons interested in simultaneously initiating a child-care and parent literacy instructional program, this handbook presents a model for the literacy education of families with young children. The handbook begins with definitions of family literacy and discusses the rationale and purpose of a family literacy program. Part 1…

A staff development project created a series of family science activities to be used in adult basic and literacy education (ABLE) and family literacy programs and a training guide for staff and volunteers. The training guide provides background principles and concepts for science activities. The activities identify materials and indicate ways the…

This five-chapter guide for coordinators of community-based literacy groups working with prisoners is illustrated with prisoners' drawings. The first chapter examines issues affecting learning behind bars. Topics covered include similarities to and differences from other programs, respecting the learner's culture, links between poverty and…

The Sterling Municipal Library (Baytown, Texas) has conducted an adult literacy project since 1986. The project provides uses Literacy Volunteers of America methodology to teach basic reading as well as English as a second language to all adults with low literacy skills who request the services. No fees are charged for the services. A special…

This manual is the third of a three-part series of materials from a family literacy demonstration project conducted in Philadelphia public schools. It contains five units. The beginning unit has activities to use in getting started and to use as everyday activities throughout the program. The other four units have theme activities appropriate for…

Project Read at the Longview (Washington) Public Library conducted a program to maintain and expand the Family Literacy Center to provide a monitored tutoring site and family outreach program for a minimum of 75 adult learners and 40 tutors. Two projects were involved: (1) Project READ focused on adult learners with a one-on-one tutoring approach;…

This project designed a family literacy program for parents with mild learning disabilities, including mental retardation. The program, which was conducted annually for 3 years, was intended to upgrade the reading skills of the parent, and at the same time, upgrade the parents' knowledge of children's literature. The class was designed for a group…

A panel of experts from a variety of disciplines was convened to advise policymakers about what is known about instructional effectiveness in adult and family literacy situations. The panel concluded that, although little research examining instructional effectiveness in family and adult literacy programs is available, a great deal of "best…

A family literacy demonstration project was conducted to offer family literacy classes in three public schools in Philadelphia. Instruction was offered for 2.5 hours per day 4 days per week for parents of kindergartners and first graders from January to June and for parents and children together in July. The project was designed to help adults…