Information about the participation of adults in basic skills education was gathered in the 1995 National Household Education Survey, which investigated participation during the 12 months prior to the telephone interviews. Of the 23,969 adults sampled for the adult education component, 80 percent completed the interview. Key findings included the…

A study was conducted to determine how the approach to assessing outcomes in Adult Basic Education exemplified by the Adult Performance Level Survey compares with the most widely used approach exemplified by the General Educational Development test. Test scores suggest that reading ability significantly affects performance on both tests.…

The General Educational Development Tests can be used to place adult basic education students for study, to measure progress achieved, to enable students to qualify for postsecondary education, and to evaluate program effectiveness. (SK)

Based on research and teacher experience, this resource guide contains teaching methods and activities that teachers can use in teaching mathematics to adult basic education and General Educational Development students. The following eight sections are included: (1) an alternative method for teaching percents; (2) unit conversion or dimensional…

Many adult basic education programs use the Tests of General Educational Development (GED[R] Tests) to measure the skills and knowledge associated with a high school program of study as well as to assess the achievement gains of adult learners through participation in their programs. Using data from the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy…

Adult secondary education learners approach the goal of college-level postsecondary education through three assessment gateways: (a) measures of adult education program learning gains, (b) a high-school equivalency exam, and (c) college placement tests. On the surface, the assessments in this sequence might appear to work in concert and point…

These instructional materials provide reading materials, recipes, and exercises to help students prepare for the practical reading section of the General Educational Development (GED) Tests. The passages can also help students learn and practice some important life skills in the areas of nutrition and food safety. Basic skill improvement is in…

The Bethlehem Area Chamber of Commerce (Pennsylvania) developed a model network of nine Lehigh Valley Chambers of Commerce and two literacy coalitions to improve the literacy levels of a two-county area work force. A literacy coordinator conducted the following activities: (1) publicized program provider information; (2) encouraged company-based…

Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania) business, education, and service representatives offered residents of a two-county work force a chance to take the General Educational Development (GED) test for free and improve basic skills. Lehigh Valley census data indicated that one-third of the 650,000 population lacked a high school diploma, yet fewer than 500…

Profiles are provided for the outstanding adult basic education (ABE) program in each of 10 regions. Each profile provides a brief background; discusses the program's focus(es); describes program activities, operation, and components; presents some figures on the population served; and provides the name, address, and telephone number of a contact…

The elements of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program at Kishwaukee College are reviewed. ABE program elements include General Educational Development (GED) program and testing; basic skills courses; English as a second language (ESL); in-plant classes; specialty courses in communicative linguistics and English grammar under ESL; adult…

A comprehensive, needs-based portfolio assessment system was developed for use with adult basic education (ABE)/General Educational Development (GED) students at an adult education and job training center in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. Consultation meetings were held with ABE/GED instructors, students, administrators, and counselors to identify…

Project WORTH served the job training needs of and facilitated employment for homeless adults in Louisville shelters by providing instruction in basic living skills, academic skills, and employability and vocational skills. Child care, transportation, and food service were provided to make participation in the training program possible. Of the 264…

In this chapter, the author explores the overlap between adult literacy programs and community colleges by examining the literacy skills of postsecondary education students, the remedial/developmental programs that serve them, and the effectiveness of these programs and adult basic education in helping students succeed. As he notes, to obtain…

The articles in this issue include "Let's Talk about What This Means" (Duncan); "Dyslexia and Adult Literacy--Forging the Missing Link" (Kidder); "Competency-Based ESL, One Step Forward or Two Steps Back?" (Auerbach); " A Comparative Look at Adult Literacy Programs in Stockholm, London, and Boston" (Nickse);…