Each section written by a different person experienced in adult basic education (ABE) instruction, this handbook is designed for ABE staff members as a source of general information about ABE, about teaching in an ABE setting, and about alternative ways to go about presenting information in various subject areas. The first section contains introductory material. Topics covered in the second section, intended for administrators, include recruitment, retention of students, public relations, followup, advisory committee, plans and policies, and evaluation. The third section contains a variety of information and suggestions for the ABE teacher regarding professional responsibilities, students, instructor role, diagnosis and placement, and counseling and guidance. A section dealing with curriculum follows, in which background material, bibliography, and suggested learning objectives are presented for each of five major ABE curriculum areas: Reading, mathematics, English as second language (ESL) consumer education, and General Educational Development (GED). The Final section contains information on resources for the improvement of ABE programs. (WL)