Media reports suggest widespread illiteracy among adults who may not be able to read, write, speak, or otherwise communicate competently enough to meet the demands of modern society. No consensus has been reached regarding a definition of illiteracy or supporting statistics. Estimates of adult illiteracy range form 0.5% to 50%, meaning that of the…

As a preliminary to developing criteria to meet quality control requirements of the National Literacy Act of 1991, a study examined federal and state development of measures of program quality and performance standards for programs funded under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education…

It has been recognized for many years that the educational levels of adult American Indians are low (2/3 have not advanced beyond elementary school) and the illiteracy rates are high (1/4 are functionally illiterate). Traditional adult programs have not met the needs of adult Indians who are uncomfortable in "white" classes and who will…

Intended for use by participants in the Ohio Preconference and the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS), this background paper on one of the three major WHCLIS themes examines Ohio's literacy problem and reviews the state's current literacy programs and funding sources. Definitions of terms, a brief history of…

This report provides as complete a description as available data permit of the nature and operations of the Adult Education Act Grant Program. It is divided into three major chapters. The first presents programmatic background information and a legislative history of the Adult Education Program providing funds to state and local projects. Chapter…

Increasing numbers of American adults are engaged in many types of learning activities; a significant part of these learning activities are organized and structured. Record-keeping about institutionalized adult learning is often scanty, however, or even non-existent. As the social goal of a "learning society" has been articulated, it has…

The seven narrative reports featured in this publication detail the accomplishments, in seven key areas, of State Grant Programs (Titles I, II, and III) funded by the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA). These descriptions of state and local library activities, demonstrating how libraries are meeting a variety of users' needs, are: (1)…

This review provides a background summary of the Commonwealth's involvement in the field of adult literacy in Australia. The review is not research based and does not make recommendations, but it highlights the issues that are important for the future direction of the Commonwealth's involvement in the field. The review is organized into seven…

This document consists of a summary and analysis of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) of 1982 as well as an explanation of selected provisions of interest to individuals and groups concerned about employment and training opportunities for women. (Designed to replace the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, the JTPA permanently…

This report on the current status of state advisory councils on adult education contains data concerning the 1975 and 1980 status of state councils in the 50 states. It consists of an introduction, four sections, and an appendix. Provided in the introduction are some conclusions of a 1975 survey on state advisory councils on adult education as…

Some welfare experts and policymakers advocate providing education and training to prepare welfare recipients for jobs that will eventually help them leave poverty (the "work first" approach), whereas others advocate placing welfare recipients in jobs immediately whenever possible. Although the Personal Responsibility and Work…

Australia's career guidance system and policies were evaluated. The review team met with policymakers and guidance practitioners in four states and at the national level, conducted site visits to various career guidance providers in the public and private sectors, analyzed data from a national questionnaire, and reviewed pertinent documentation.…

The Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), a bill designed to replace the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), enlarges the role of state governments and private industry in federal job training programs, imposes sanctions based on performance standards, limits stipends and supportive services, creates a new program of retraining for…