A literature review shows lack of consensus in defining adult education and rejection of the application of the traditional model of professionalism to adult basic education (ABE). Carl Rogers' concept of substituting realization for professionalization, as well as the literature of staff preservice and inservice training, can help practitioners…

By following an accreditation model used in a college or university, funding agencies can be sure that adult basic education programs are following good practices rather than structuring their services to satisfy student assessment and outcome goals. (Author/JOW)

Three hypothetical cases illustrating adoption of National Diffusion Network programs in adult basic education are used to identify problems that can occur when attempting program adoption or development of new programs. The importance of making the innovation one's own is stressed. (SK)

Explores causes of adult illiteracy and examines the effectiveness of adult literacy programs. (MM)

Without being able to see people's facial expressions, their mouths moving, or their body language, it's sometimes difficult to understand them. This, of course, is why English as a second language (ESL) students need so much help in this area. The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council started its Telephone Conversation Program to address these…

Discusses perceived shortcomings of current family literacy program models that too often: are conceived and implemented as a compensatory model; target only one child and one parent; do not effectively integrate adult education, literacy/ESL, or parent-child interaction time into programing; and that have a radically unstable funding base.…

A literacy program incorporating adult learning principles was designed using functional materials and an appropriate methodology, and the feasibility of this program was assessed in an adult basic education setting. Analysis of achievement data indicated that the application of adult learning principles to adult literacy resulted in effective…

The 25 years since the establishment of the adult basic education (ABE) program have seen a renewed focus on adult illiteracy in federal legislation. Four trends or models for the future of ABE have emerged: service to target populations, programs with an employment focus, professionalization of ABE educators, and widely spread, nonintensive…

Discusses the similarities and differences in the way adult basic education programs are operated in the United States and in the United Kingdom. (JOW)

Noting that, generally, low-literate adults in Labrador and Newfoundland (Canada) are being helped only through the altruistic efforts of literate volunteers, this paper argues that adult literacy must be professionalized and become an integral part of the education system. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the definitions of literacy,…

A basic set of principles for adult education reflects what should be found in each state and local program. First, basic skills should be mastered by all students. Second, course content should be directly related to learner, labor market, and community needs. Third, partnership efforts should be expanded and strengthened. Fourth, programs must…

Adult basic education (ABE) teachers are committed to understanding their students and to teaching something useful, something relevant, and something that will give students more control over their world or community. The goal of ABE teachers must then be to be familiar with their students' understanding of their world. ABE teachers are logically…

The use of law, force, social pressure, and other forms of compulsion to "encourage" lifelong learning and to expand the market for adult education has been a growing concern for many adult educators. Because of the proliferation of requirements for mandatory continuing education (MCE), a task force was formed to study MCE, and to mobilize opinion…

This paper describes seven ideas that would help a literacy program work well. Some examples are given to show how each idea could be used in different parts of a literacy program. Some questions are also listed that could stimulate discussion about each idea. The seven quality guidelines or ideas are as follows: (1) community focus--a good…

This report contains one man's impressions of the state of adult literacy education in several countries of Africa and in India. The first country reported on is Ethiopia, where signs of a capitalist society were evident in that officially Marxist country, where literacy education was still a priority in the midst of a waning famine. Ethiopia had…