In 1997 the British Columbia Open University (BCOU) adopted a virtualization strategy based primarily on twinning off-line independent study distance education courses (textbook-based with study guide and telephone and e-mail tutor support) with alternate online versions (textbook-based with integrated conferencing and communications provided…

This statement of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, focuses on the approaches that provincial ministers have taken to address the problem of adult illiteracy. First, it sets out concisely the nature and extent of functional illiteracy in Canada. Second, it describes a sample of the initiatives already under way to create effective…

This bilingual exploration of program-based research discusses research in the everyday life of literacy programs and is also an account of one practitioner's personal experience. The first part explains the concept of program-based research. The second part reports on the relative lack of research in this area and gives a brief analysis of the…

The mandate of the Recognition for Learning Pilot Project was to develop a recognition system that would work in Huron and Perth Counties (Ontario), particularly for the agencies offering adult literacy services. Design principles were developed for each of the three system components: a registry, a paper of recognition, and a teacher support…

This guide was developed to help new literacy practitioners in Ontario, Canada, become familiar with designing, developing, and delivering literacy programs in the community. The guide is organized in 10 sections according to subject area. The three sections of part 1 deal with the developmental stages of planning, designing, and launching a…

Presented in case study format, this report looks at different types of workplace literacy programs across Canada. It describes in some detail 10 particular work environments and the unique characteristics that have enabled each to offer quality worker education programs. Each case study provides information in these categories: profile (an…

This report documents, in case study format, eight workplace literacy programs in Canada. Introductory materials highlight conclusions and discuss reasons for undertaking the project to document the Canadian experience in basic skills training from the perspective of the employer and employee and program design. Each case study or program profile…

The need for workplace skills upgrading has never been more acute. In Canada, many awareness-building initiatives for literacy have been started. The most successful efforts will probably be those based on a partnership model that links companies and unions with educators who understand adult learning styles. Before a workplace literacy program…

Suggests some guidelines for planning vocational on-site English as a second language (ESL) programs, placing emphasis on building up full knowledge of the work situation and curriculum relevant to the needs of the workers. (CFM)

A project was conducted to initiate a regional system of documenting and recognizing the learning that takes place in literacy programs. Phase 1 focused on gathering articulation models and materials. In phase 2 the following were developed: a skills list for communications, numeracy, personal growth, and computers; skills inventories; and a…

This guide for literacy tutors and educators provides basic information about people labeled as having an intellectual disability, along with practical teaching strategies and tips on designing inclusive literacy programs. It also raises questions to challenge assumptions and encourage program re-examination. The first four short chapters discuss…

This guide for literacy program managers and coordinators provides basic information about people labeled as having an intellectual disability and offers practical teaching strategies and tips on designing inclusive literacy programs. It also raises questions to encourage re-examination of programs. The first four short chapters are on: making the…

Phase one of the Ontario Literacy and Health Project established a link between lack of education and increased health problems. Phase two was undertaken for the following purposes: (1) to develop a position paper on literacy and health; (2) to foster working partnerships between literacy groups and health groups that would result in ongoing…

These proceedings of a symposium on literacy include precis of six speakers' comments and a directory of the participants. "The Hidden Education Problem" (Paul Simon) addresses the need to provide all citizens with the opportunity to learn to read and write. "The Role of Government in Literacy" (Jean-Jacques Noreau) describes…

The twelve issues of the newsletter of the International Task Force on Literacy, spanning the two-year period from October 1988 to October 1990 (constituting a complete set), contain articles on the following: existing and emerging literacy programs in Canada, Uganda, the United States, the Soviet Union, the Caribbean region, and Zambia;…