This report contains the strategic policy recommendations of the Wisconsin Statewide Basic Skills Task Force. Introductory material describes the need for basic skills education within Wisconsin's adult population, and role of Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) in meeting that need. The next section considers the Task Force's formation to assess current practices and policies affecting basic skills education, develop a vision/mission statement redefining the WTCS's role and purpose as a basic skills provider, and guide the continued development and strengthening of the delivery of basic skills education within the WTCS. The next two sections focus on basic skills education as a new mission for the WTCS, including recommendations concerning the WTCS State Board's role and actions to be taken by individual colleges, along with the proposed Basic Education Mission Statement. The bulk of the report contains the Task Force's recommendations in the following areas: (1) a new paradigm of basic skills education as part of an adult school-to-work continuum; (2) equity of access and adequate availability of services; (3) efficient and consistent applied intake and assessment procedures; (4) a new student-centered curriculum and instructional delivery system; (5) the use of technology to enhance instruction; (6) appropriate student support services; (7) instruction and programming that promote student retention and successful transition to occupational and other postsecondary programs; (8) the effective utilization and development of full- and part-time staff; (9) collaboration among basic education and support services providers; (10) an adequate and stable resource base; and (11) urban and rural initiatives. Appendixes provide background facts and trends. (KP)