America is becoming a less educated nation (National Commission on Adult Literacy, 2008). While this is frequently measured through comparisons of the number of adults with college degrees, strategies to address sagging educational attainment statistics in the United States are typically focused on K-12 reforms--mostly through expanded definitions…

A model for adult basic education (ABE) programs is presented in which emphasis is placed on the needs of the community for skills and labor supply rather than upon the internal needs of the individual. Eight variables over which the educator (including administration) has some control are delineated and strategies by which learning opportunities…

A definition of illiteracy is the inability to read and compute at the standard needed by an adult within a chosen social context. While statistics may vary depending upon the study, women make up the majority of the illiterates nationally and internationally. Three factors that contribute to illiteracy among women are social acculturation and…

The arguments for the monitoring and evaluation of adult literacy and basic education programs are no different from those justifying monitoring and evaluation of any other educational program. The priority and status accorded different programs are likely to determine commitment to their internal and external evaluation and the form that these…

This booklet is both a description of activities to organize a General Educational Development program (GED) alumni association and a guide to starting an alumni group. It specifically focuses on "Operation Alumni," a project to establish a local GED alumni organization at Reading Area Community College that could serve as a state model…

The Adult Education for the Homeless (AEH) program was initiated with funds provided through the McKinney Act of 1987. During its first 4 years, the AEH program served over 100,000 homeless adults. In 1991, 34,000 adults participated in AEH programs in 31 states; nearly half were women. Approximately 60% of those served were between the ages of 25…

The Iowa Statewide Delivery System provided for the educational needs of 267,000 adults throughout the State in 1973-74. Fifteen area schools offered programs in adult basic education, high school completion, general adult and continuing education, and career supplementary education, as well as other innovative programs. (MW)

Describes a model for the selection of instructional materials for adult basic education programs. Reviews the model's seven stages: identifying learner problems; defining objectives; prescribing learning experiences; selecting instructional materials; selecting appropriate deliveries; evaluating and planning improvements; and reorganizing,…

After recapitulating certain problems with current conceptions of the profession of adult education and stating a design problem for the reinvention of the field, this paper argues that adult education can best be seen as "self-education." A beginning definition and concept of that term is described, along with a model and supporting guides for…

This guide describes a model for a community-based literacy program for older adults that uses older adults as tutors. Guidelines are provided to program sponsors for implementing literacy education for older adults. Chapter I provides an overview of the problem of illiterate older adults and literacy education for them. Chapter II addresses the…

The document presents an indepth study of nine selected exemplary adult basic education (ABE) programs in Region 8: Volunteers Clearing House, Fort Collins, Colorado; Utah Navajo Development Council, Blanding, Utah; Adult Education Tutorial Program, Denver, Colorado; Project SAVE, Lemmon, South Dakota; Gates Rubber Company, Denver, Colorado;…

A model of the organizational dynamics of innovation in adult basic education (ABE) agencies was developed and tested wherein innovation was measured by a composite index of innovative instructional and administrative practices. It was concluded that organizational variables (size, differentiation of staff roles, reliance on professional…

A statewide needs assessment surveyed felt training needs of administrators, instructors, and advisors of adult literacy programs in Florida. Data were collected in the following ways: questionnaires sent to recipients of Adult Supplemental Grants and advisory-council chairpersons; indepth interviews; a literature review and document analysis; and…

The Georgia Governor's Task Force on Adult Literacy conducted a study to determine the extent of adult illiteracy in the state, develop a program to deal with illiteracy, and make recommendations to the state for a future course of action to reduce the problem. The task force arrived at a working definition of adult literacy that included three…

The Urban Adult Learning Center's (UALC) primary goal is to improve and expand the educational and employment opportunities for all residents in the Portland Model Cities target area who are 16 years of age or older and who have not reached the eighth grade educational level. The Phase Two Foundation section reviews historical background and goals…