Motivational research identifies utility value, or the importance of a learning task to future goals, as central to motivation to learn. This study analyzed survey data (N = 86) collected from adult literacy learners to examine their utility value of writing improvement in grammar and spelling skills, word processing skills, and planning,…

In this commentary, the authors review one area of federal policy, adult basic education policy, since its inception in the 1960s as an example of how educational policy can drift from its broad purpose as it responds to political, social, and economic forces. The authors argue that its current narrow focus on workforce development underestimates…

Life history methods were used to explore the literate identity of one African American woman, Orlonia, who lives and works in a small rural community in the southeastern United States. Specifically, the authors explore how Orlonia's literate identity is constantly developing throughout her life, taking place in frames of biography and history.…

Discusses the current situation (along with changes and specific developments over the past 13 years) in France regarding illiteracy. Describes the beginnings of the struggle against illiteracy and poverty; the organization of literacy work; the move from literacy to basic education; the future for literacy work in France; and the lack of…

Argues that family literacy programs can use children's literature as a vehicle for adults to explore their experiences, to develop a tolerance for different points of view, and to find time to engage in personal reflection. (SR)

Describes a program called "Reaching Out the Write Way" that takes place in an adult basic education literacy program at a maximum-security state prison. Describes how this innovative and low-cost program teaches inmates (many of whom are fathers) both storybook writing and bookmaking. Notes the enthusiastic responses of inmates and…

Argues that providing accessible adult basic education in South Africa will call for a flexible approach in terms of both the languages of learning and variety of areas of learning that will be regarded as acceptable for accreditation. (SR)

Examines the nature and effects of predominant understandings or formulations of the relationship between literacy and work. Evaluates what workplace literacy programs have typically been designed to do. Discusses possible ways for future programs to create real opportunities for all participants to be truly involved in the process of workplace…

Through access to assistive technology, adult students with learning disabilities can improve their literacy skills and goal attainment as a supplement to regular adult basic education classes. This article describes a project that investigated whether increased engagement with text-to-speech and speech-recognition software could improve…

Describes Book Bridges, a community-based family literacy program which aims to increase literacy for parents and children through composing and sharing family stories. Discusses how immigrant mothers' experiences in a reading workshop, writing workshop, and literature circles combined to support the development of English literacy, personal…

Provides some historical perspectives on bilingual instruction for adults. Discusses several factors that currently have an impact on education for language-minority adults. Makes a case for the development of bilingual instruction for adults. Concludes with an example of what bilingual instruction might look like in a classroom and with a call…

Discusses how a program designed to teach children and youth to read was used in two classes for adults. Presents an explanation and description of the implementation, reports of learner progress, and the perceptions of the participants. Concludes that despite poor testing outcomes, the learners, instructors, and administrators believed in the…

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.…

Describes a functional literacy program successfully carried out in a very remote district in the mountains of Nepal. Describes the program's successes in increasing literacy, self-confidence, community awareness, and social awareness among Nepali women. Discusses keys to this success. (SR)

Considers how a spiritual connection across age differences affects literacy education. Notes that the Bible is foremost among the texts adult basic literacy students want to read. Claims that being students of stories of faith and religion does not mean that educators become proselytizers or that they ignore the difference between public and…