The purpose of the study is to describe the status of literacy training programs in the military services during the summer of 1971 and develop suggestions for more effective training. A prologue provides information on the scope of the general literacy problem. Data were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, record search, and observations…

Only 26.4% of the 100 millon people living in Pakistan are literate. There are sharp differences between urban and rural literacy rates, literacy rates in the four provinces of Pakistan, and the literacy rates for men and women (with females constituting the largest group of illiterates in the country). Politically there has been a great deal of…

Pakistan, like the rest of the world, is confronted with urbanization, industrialization, the information explosion and all the complexities that characterize the atomic age; however, the majority of Pakistanis have yet to acquire basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills which are essential to meet the simplest demands of modern living. An…

Underlying assumptions, enhancement procedures, and problems associated with the enhancement of critical reading were discussed. Empirical evidence was cited to demonstrate that critical reading could be defined as overlapping substantially with critical thinking and as sharing with critical thinking a very large verbal component, particularly…

The comprehensive plan presented in this document in sequential steps shows both the Maryland reading effort accomplishments (1971-74) and its present and future plans (1975-80) and demonstrates a set of ideas based on citizen concerns and needs assessments that are being translated into a reading program. Contents of this document include a…

This collection contains the texts of four draft papers and four responses that were presented at a symposium on defining literacy. The following papers are included: "Definitions of Literacy" (Richard L. Venezky); "Definitions of Literacy: Responses" (Reynaldo F. Macias); "Literacy for What Purpose?" (Larry…

The history of American prison education from 1650 to the present can be divided into five periods. Generally speaking, the education provided in prisons has been loose, fragmented, and essentially reflective of the prevailing local prison administration. Although the trend has been toward the adoption of a more enlightened view toward inmates and…

This handbook, which is an outgrowth of educational workshops for Portage County (Ohio) Literacy Coalition members, is intended as an introductory text for individuals desiring to become effective supporters of adult literacy efforts in local communities. The context and purpose of the handbook's development are explained in the introduction.…

This ERIC digest examines states' goals of rural literacy programs and the types of programs that have proven effective in the past. It includes several definitions of literacy applied by effective rural literacy programs. It also examines the conditions that support or limit widespread influence of effective programs in rural areas. The level of…

A study examined the attrition and persistence of students enrolled in adult basic education literacy programs. The study population consisted of 1,407 adult learners who had completed intake interviews and/or been enrolled in learning programs at the Technology for Literacy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, during a two-year period. The dependent…

The instructional concept guide is part of a system developed for tutor training and support. It is primarily designed for volunteers, but it can also be adapted to the training of paraprofessional tutors for any type of adult literacy program. A key component in the system is the Tutor Support Library, consisting of Instructional Concept Guides…

The project, conducted in five Alabama counties, was concerned with identifying and recruiting nonreading young adults and providing home-based instruction to those who could not attend adult basic education classes. Paraprofessionals and volunteers were recruited and trained in order to meet this objective. As of May 31, 1975, over 40 community…

Investigates characteristics of 10 African-American women persisting in literacy programs. Subjects, aged 21 to 70 years, had been in reading programs from 1 to 8 years. Women cite their own determination and attitudes of program staff as among the most important variables in fostering persistence. (SLD)

Reveals that literacy training in small, rural, and primitive communities can affect demonstrable changes in the feelings, attitudes, and well-being of its participants. Utilized interviews, discussions, and observations at two sites in Zambia to highlight the outcomes of literacy training. Discusses the program's weaknesses as well as strengths.…