Discusses mainstreaming and centralization, two ways in which community colleges organize developmental education. Compares these models in terms of instructional quality, ancillary services, teacher characteristics, student reactions, reputation, and remediation. Offers recommendations to college administrators and state policy makers for…

Explored the overall performance of 36 learning disabled (LD) and 40 educable mentally handicapped (EMH) students both before and after modifying the minimum competency test (MCT). Administered the Instructional Objectives Exchange Basic Skill Test: Reading, secondary level to secondary school special education students. Results indicated that LD…

Identifies employee skills needed by U.S. business/industry: generic skills (e.g., reading, writing, computation, problem solving), relational skills (e.g., ability to work better and in more sophisticated ways with diverse groups); responsibility skills (e.g., taking initiative in learning); and integration skills (e.g., ability to make meaning…

A survey of 1,021 human resource managers found that 35.5 percent test job applicants, promotion candidates, and/or current employees; 22 percent of applicants and 15 percent of employees tested deficient in basic skills; and only 5 respondents spent more than $10,000 on remedial training. (SK)

A comparison of 44 semi-rural learning-disabled postsecondary-age youth with 64 urban nonlearning-disabled same-age peers found significantly higher dropout rates and significantly lower basic skills competency levels among the learning-disabled youth. No differences were found between learning-disabled graduates and dropouts in terms of…

Reports on an observation and questionnaire survey in 120 secondary schools in 24 states focusing on several variables. Suggests the need for better preparation of vocational teachers to identify and take advantage of classroom opportunities for student skill enhancement or reinforcement. (Author/LAM)

Literacy education is modeled along a continuum moving from a technical conception of literacy to a conception of literacy as praxis, or critical literacy. These competing models are contrasted, and special emphasis is given to one adult basic literacy organization that is managing to humanize the process. (Author/BJV)

In Oklahoma, specialists in mathematics and communications show vocational teachers how to emphasize academic content within their technical area. The program maintains a balance between theoretical and practical teaching so that graduates are prepared for the working world. (JOW)

The issue of illiteracy in the workplace and the implications for restructuring, multiskilling, and training are discussed. Findings of a national survey, Literacy for Productivity: A Study of Adult Literacy in the Workplace, are also reported. A response supports the argument for implementation of literacy programs. (Contains five references.)…

Advocates the frequent use of journalistic texts for classroom discussions because unplanned material creates a supportive environment. Reports how two groups of students who had failed an upper-division writing exam and who were reluctant to discuss assigned readings, became engaged and careful readers when similar material was presented…

Although technology might greatly increase school performance, the economics will be hard to manage and explain to a tax-paying public. As in hospitals, technology is an expensive investment that will not replace people. Schooling's true challenge is not handling machinery but creating a multicultural society. To succeed, schools must emphasize…

Includes "Skill Upgrading in Public and Private Organizations"; "Developing the Wealth of the Nation" (O'Toole, Simmons); "Dumbing down America" (Shanker); "Career Preparation"; "What Work Requires of Schools: The SCANS Report"; "Industry-Education Collaboration in Canada" (Clark); and…

The Home and School Institute approach to helping families educate their children involves a family education system (the MegaSkills Workshops for leadership training), provision of information supporting the family's educational role, and home learning activities for parents and children. The MegaSkills program helps ensure the transfer of…

Many school districts are offering warranties on their high school graduates' basic academic abilities; employers identifying academic skill deficiencies may return graduates to school for free retraining. The problem is how to handle "recalls" appropriately. Community benefits and criticisms of the warranty approach are discussed. A sidebar…

Competency-based training workshops based on Kolb's experiential learning theory were held for North Carolina adult basic education teachers; 251 attended 1-day sessions and 91 a week-long summer institute. Topics included interpersonal communication, reading, numeracy, language arts, math, assessment, and program evaluation. (SK)