In this article, we argue that adult literacy as part of international development is an issue of both human rights and women's rights. We explore this by presenting a case study of the effects of one innovative adult literacy program in Afghanistan that places men and women, as well as various ethnicities, together in the same classroom as…

Describes a project to offer free reading classes to raise the reading level of Job Training Partnership Act-eligible adults. Discusses procedural steps required to complete the project and the results. (JOW)

Describes the experience of a 19-year-old learning disabled woman who enrolled in a literacy program. After one year, she enrolled in a community college and was able to make plans for her future. (JOW)

A reading program for adult learners with minimum reading skills should include activities that immerse the student in actual reading experiences. Working with connected text using such approaches as assisted reading, language experience, and independent reading is suggested. Listening activities, discussion, and writing should be vital parts of…

Depicts partnership learning's evolution through a long struggle between students, staff, and board members. Describes a program that evolved from a one-on-one instruction to small group instruction in which student learners are encouraged to respect their own knowledge and experience and that of others and to work to become competent, independent…

Explains how using computers allows adults to learn basic skills in new ways and to avoid reliving experiences with frustration, failure, and humiliation that they may have endured as children in school. Includes advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of computers in instruction. (JOW)

Presents a critical review of the research on the effectiveness of adult literacy programs. Suggests that the methods used in current literacy programs offer students little chance of significant improvement. (ARH)

Reading teachers, who are often drafted as English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instructors, need to redefine their approach to reading instruction. In the ESL curriculum reading is often secondary, and the teacher must take into account such considerations as ESL students' culture and literacy level in their native languages. (SK)

Less competent adult readers have not developed the habit of reading. Ways to cultivate adult reading habits include relevant material, environment saturated with reading material, reading aloud to adults, having them read to children, sustained silent reading, modeling, book sharing, author conferences, and recognition. (SK)

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

Discusses the language experience approach (LEA) to teaching adults to read. LEA capitalizes on the adult's rich experience and advanced learning and speaking skills. (JOW)

Reviews six models of prereading programs for developmentally delayed adults: readinglike behavior, picture reading, global features of books, print in the environment, labeling, and rebus symbols. (SK)

Describes a literacy expert's frustrating experience with Harry, an intelligent, resourceful, and illiterate man who was more afraid of tackling reading and writing than of jumping out of a helicopter. Unfortunately, some adults who have been mistreated in school are eager to become literate but lack courage to take the first step. (six…

Analyzes the usage of four metaphors (school, medical and industrial, military, and banking) that commonly appear in the United States' media and in public speeches that dramatize illiteracy. Argues that educators need to be aware of the strategic use of language in this adult literacy context. (SR)

This report describes adult literacy needs, the role of the libraries in meeting those needs, literacy needs and services in New York, and the contributions the City University of New York (CUNY) is making to the literacy effort. Quotations from Paulo Freire and Jonathan Kozol are used to define the nature of illiteracy and its extent in the…