Information on literacy programs for adults in the United States was compiled from the annual statistical performance reports states submit to the U.S. Department of Education at the end of each program year (PY). Nearly 27 percent of adults had not completed a high school diploma or equivalent. In PY 1991, the nation's adult education (AE) program served 8 percent of the eligible population. In PY 1996, 4 million individuals enrolled in AE programs; White and Hispanic students accounted for more than 70 percent; and most were under age 45. Total enrollment in AE programs increased by more than 30 percent between PY 1988 and 1996. National trends in adult basic education, English as a second language, and adult secondary education (ASE) enrollment masked considerable variability among geographic regions. The number of Hispanic students increased by more than 50 percent, and the number of AE participants in correctional facilities increased by nearly 40 percent. During the period PY 1988-96, between 25-37 percent of ASE students obtained an Adult High School Diploma or its equivalent. From PY 1990 to 1996, more than 1.6 million AE students retained their current jobs or advanced in new jobs, and about 240,000 were removed from public assistance. Characteristics of the AE participant population (race/ethnicity, age, gender, educational level) did not necessarily correspond to the target population. From PY 1986 to 1994, federal and state spending for AE increased in every category; state funds were the most important source of funding for services. (Contains 26 tables and 34 figures.) (YLB)