This report on the program highlights of the first national conference on urban literacy contains 40 information sheets describing the literacy programs represented at the conference. Each program information sheet contains some or all of the following: the name of the program; the name, address, and phone number of a program contact person; the…

The purpose of this paper is to consider how two distinct research methodologies differently structure for study the inputs, transactions, and outcomes of adult literacy programs. It is suggested that the appropriateness of a methodology for the study of adult literacy programs be determined by assessing the extent to which the methodology speaks…

Areas of concern for matching adult readers and programs are theoretical orientation (meaning based, code based, or interactive); programing factors (reading assessment, goal formation, affective factors, negative schooling attitudes, student interests, reading interpretations); and methodologies (phonics, whole word, neuro-impress, repeated…

To ascertain what variables contribute to success of adult literacy programs, a study of 107 adult students in a literacy program was undertaken over a period of two years. Program success was defined as an attendance rate of 65%. It was hypothesized that the four characteristics of age, sex, employment, and marital status would be predictors of…

A study examined the characteristics of those individuals who participate in New York City's adult literacy programs. Interviews were conducted with 32 native-born U.S. citizens (native speakers of English) who had enrolled in a literacy program for the first time and had been reading somewhere up to the 4.9 grade level at the time they entered…

An estimated 850,000 Canadian adults lack basic literacy skills. An examination of the profile and achievements of the students enrolled in the literacy education program at the Alberta Vocational Centre in Edmonton indicates that like the many other types in the broad range of adult literacy programs, the highly structured nature of the Edmonton…

The assessment of current practices in college reading improvement courses offered by four-year, degree-granting public institutions in the Midwest was the focus of this survey. Undertaken to determine the availability of such courses and to identify current practices, materials and methods utilized, the survey tapped one hundred thirty-two…

This publication, which is based on the experiences gained in a workplace literacy program for learning-disabled workers at a paper factory in Massachusetts, is designed as a beginners' guide to identifying and addressing issues of learning disabilities in the adult education classroom. Section 1 defines the term "learning disability,"…

Operation Wordpower is a reading program reaching disadvantaged adults and operating in Chicago's urban community areas. The program accepts any person who is reading below the fifth grade level. Instruction is by means of the Sullivan reading materials adapted to the Edison Responsive Environment teaching technology (called "Talking…

Since January 1986, when the Illinois Secretary of State Literacy Grant Program began funding a wide variety of adult literacy programs, more than 30,000 students have sought help with reading. They have been matched with 25,000 tutors who have provided more than 2 million hours of volunteer instruction. The profiles in this booklet are stories 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…

This guide was developed to assist volunteers in tutoring adult readers who read below the ninth-grade level. It was intended to be used as a supplement to the tutor training programs for volunteers at Drake University. The following topics are discussed in the guide in either narrative or question-and-answer format: getting started as a tutor,…

This handbook, one in a series of works dealing with adult literacy education, is designed for use by volunteers who are responsible for recruiting students into literacy programs. Addressed in the first part of the guide are various steps in organizing a recruitment campaign that include getting to know the program staff, learning about the adult…

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)