The publication presents data on the number and geographic distribution of uneducated adults in the state of California giving information that can be used to provide meaningful programs for adults. Data have been tabulated by area ("standard metropolitan statistical areas," counties, and "urban placed") and by population…

Steps to be taken to "operationalize" evaluation, i.e., to make evaluation work, are discussed and applied to the Unesco program of functional literacy. Evaluation is seen as an important social concern, as well as a field of study and an area of competence. Four types of evaluation applied to the Unesco program are context evaluation,…

This report analyzes the initial results of UNESCO's Experimental World Literacy Programme and makes recommendations for future action. The meaning of functional literacy is discussed, and pilot projects in twelve countries are briefly described. The analysis reveals that the programme has fallen seriously behind schedule, that the number of adult…

An address given by the Director-General of UNESCO is presented. The address had as its main focus the progress of the committee's literacy efforts throughout the world. It is pointed out that some 10 projects have been undertaken. The number of persons attending the literacy courses has risen from 5,500 to about 400,000 during the period 1967 to…

Relates current trends in public interpretations of reading research, which are prone to exaggeration and paranoia, to G. Larson's "Far Side" cartoons. Notes a substantial gap between what is taught in the schools to develop literacy abilities and what is demanded in society to demonstrate literacy competence. (SKC)

Literacy Volunteers of America is described as a grassroots effort that has grown to national proportions. An overview of its development and case studies of library literacy projects in various states are provided, and recommendations are made for continued and future library participation in the literacy effort. (EM)

Reports on the problem of adult functional illiteracy in the workplace and discusses how some companies and business-sponsored organizations are dealing with this problem. Describes Polaroid Corporation's in-house literacy training program in detail. (CH)

Proposes redefining the problem of illiteracy in terms of a "social-interaction perspective" that would emphasize the need "to acculturate students to the practices of reading in their communities" and the broad range of reading competencies required by today's society. (JBM)

Discusses differing meanings of literacy implicit in three metaphors, each rooted in assumptions about the social motivations for literacy, the nature of existing literacy practices, and judgments about which practices are critical for individual and social enhancement. Provides a study of the social meaning of literacy in a traditional society.…

Ten-week tutorials focused on improving the reading competency of employees of a city housing authority. Materials and techniques for adult learners were used. Vocabulary and comprehension scores and high levels of attendance (17 of 19 students attended 80 percent of the time) indicated the success of the program. (SK)

Distinguishes between functional and elective illiterates and attempts to explain the extent and causes of elective illiteracy in Canada. Describes a model of reading activity that confirms expected bivariate associations between elective illiteracy and education, settlement type, language, age, and occupation but reveals three complicating higher…

The author feels that the basic key to Tanzania's successful literacy program has been the national will to dare to eradicate illiteracy. Adult education centers/committees and a teacher training system were established; all mass media and national institutions were geared to promote the program. (EA)

A study examined the relevancy of freshman composition to writing in the workplace. Four professionals in middle management who had been out of college for a number of years were surveyed by e-mail about their writing in the workplace, college education, freshman writing classes, and importance of seven skills employers want employees to have.…

The author describes a UNESCO program to achieve functional literacy which has been especially successful in Tanzania with the cooperation of that country's government. Instructional programs must be designed for the illiterate adult with an emphasis on oral communication. (AG)

Adults, involved in their vocations, must be continually learning so that their productive efforts can be improved. Author spells out the need for literacy in agricultural occupations. (RK)