The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was set up in the aftermath of World War II with the mandate of safeguarding global peace by promoting international intellectual cooperation across national boundaries. UNESCO's first flagship educational initiative, launched in 1946, was the Fundamental Education…

Amidst diminishing federal investment in Adult Basic Education (ABE), there is growing interest in return on investment (ROI) as an economic rationale to support ABE funding. Against this backdrop, we provide an overview of the ROI concept and methods and the empirical evidence on ABE program impacts to broaden the discourse among practitioners…

Adult basic education (ABE) policies aim to help adults improve their literacy, numeracy and information and communications technology skills, as well as their qualifications, often in pursuit of economic gains such as better employment and earnings. The large-scale improvement of skills and qualifications has been referred to as a wicked policy…

The Student Achievement Initiative (SAI) is the guiding framework for the Washington state community and technical college system's goals for student success. SAI emphasizes student momentum for college success by both building college readiness (such as basic skills gains and completion of precollege education, sometimes known as developmental…

Grandparents raising grandchildren represent a population of adults who confront complex interpersonal and environmental challenges. The intent of this case study was to gather and interpret evaluative data to better understand the impact of a 1-day community education program for grandparents who raise their grandchildren. Extension's philosophy…

Results showed that computer assisted education could be used effectively in a jail setting provided that its capabilities and limitations were properly understood. (Author/IRT)

Higher test scores for basic skills or passing the GED test are insufficient evidence of Adult Basic Education Program impact. To discover if programs are really affecting learners' life situations, follow-up studies and anecdotal data provide more pertinent information. (CT)

The National Literacy Program in Namibia (NLPN) was launched in 1992 with the objective of achieving 80% national literacy among adults. Several evaluations, including an evaluation of system policy and performance, have been conducted. The methodology of these evaluations and the philosophy behind them are discussed. (SLD)

An adult basic education evaluation design should be directly related to realistic and assessable process and outcome objectives of a project. The design should be established early, and baseline data should be obtained prior to, or at least concurrent with, initiating the delivery of services. (CT)

Program managers in adult basic education (ABE) face unprecedented public demands for accountability and continuous improvement. This study explored how applying the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence influenced management practices in local ABE programs. Managers were motivated to ask provocative questions about their work…

This evaluation of the effectiveness of a computer assisted instructional program in basic literacy skills for inmates in a county jail covers the first year of the program. Instructional materials used were developed by Control Data Corporation for use on the PLATO system, and consisted of lessons in vocabulary, reading, spelling, arithmetic…

This report describes a study conducted to provide information that could be used as a basis for program decision making when adult basic education (ABE) program personnel in Washington purchase an integrated computerized learning system. During the project, the following activities were carried out: (1) programs and systems in use in ABE programs…

A study examined the costs and benefits of Indiana adult basic education (ABE). Designers of the study sought to identify those programs that are cost effective/cost efficient and to establish a viable ABE local program accountability system. Included among the major study activities were the following: formation of a steering committee, site…

A project assessed educational effectiveness of the Adult Proficiency Level (APL) Pilot Project in Area B of the Indiana Office of Occupational Development. Activities involved design of data collection instrument, sampling and data collection at all six educational classroom sites in Area B, and data analysis. Program strengths identified were…

Analyzes data from evaluations of seven Nepalese literacy programs (five for adults and two for out-of-school children) using the same instructional materials and design. Examines dropout rates, female participation, language of instruction, skill acquisition, skill retention, changes in attitudes and knowledge, effects on elementary enrollment,…