This article describes two decades of workplace basic skills efforts in the United States (mid 1980s to early 2000s). Private- and public-sector groups defined the problem of inadequate basic skills in the incumbent workforce. They raised awareness of this problem as it affected various segments of the workforce and diverse industries. They…

The author describes a workplace literacy program designed by the Milwaukee SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc. for Res Manufacturing Company. This program enabled Res Manufacturing to upgrade its employees' basic skills, increase productivity, and eliminate the need for layoffs. (CH)

Discusses the basic skills training program instituted for the nonexempt work force at First Chicago Corporation, the 10th-largest bank holding company in the United States. Presents the rationale for the program and describes the successful training efforts in place at the bank. (JOW)

The Army's Job Skills Education Program is a computer-based instructional program that teaches basic academic skills in a job-related context. Its transferability to the civilian workplace provides another tool for enhancing workplace literacy. (SK)

Georgia's Certified Literate Community Program is a state-supported, community-based effort that provides all levels of instruction--from basic skills to technical writing--to adults at all educational levels. The goal is to enable every capable adult to attain reading, speaking, writing, problem solving, and comprehension skills. (SK)

At De La Salle Vocational, a Philadelphia day treatment facility for youth offenders, basic skills are tied to specific job tasks through a literacy task analysis. Local businesses provide information on literacy skills needed on the job, which is integrated into instructional modules. (SK)

The effects of an in-house workplace literacy program on an organization are examined. A small Canadian manufacturing plant that began a workplace literacy program called Learning in the Workplace in 1990 was the site of this case study research. The plant was CCL Custom Manufacturing, which specialized in household powder-based products. Four…

The issue of illiteracy in the workplace and the implications for restructuring, multiskilling, and training are discussed. Findings of a national survey, Literacy for Productivity: A Study of Adult Literacy in the Workplace, are also reported. A response supports the argument for implementation of literacy programs. (Contains five references.)…

A project created a model for literacy councils that would allow them to form working partnerships with small businesses and provide instruction based on the needs of both the employer and the employee. Fifty employers received Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (GPLC) program information by mail; 20 participated in a workplace survey. Three…

This report provides information on a workplace education program in which Emily Griffith Opportunity School, Denver, partnered with Columbia HealthONE, Dobbs International Services, Imperial Headwear, Inc., Marriott Hotels, Provenant Health Partners, University of Colorado Health Science Center, and Westin Hotel. Section A of Part I, a program…

The personnel director of a local industry requested reading help from Central Missouri State University for several employees. After several meetings, a workplace literacy program that used the whole language approach supplemented by direct instruction in word recognition skills was developed. Two types of tests were written. One, a vocabulary…

Three programs at Tulsa Junior College respond to labor force needs: (1) Aviation Education Alliance, an articulated program among universities, two-year colleges, and vocational schools; (2) International Language Center, teaching languages specific to the needs of client companies; and (3) Tulsa Training Center, focusing on workplace literacy…

"Schools and Businesses Need to Work together to Close the 'Job Skills Gap'" (Cortina) discusses Los Angeles efforts to implement recommendations of the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. "Employer-Sponsored Education Is a Win-Win Situation for Both Businesses and Employees" (Lipshutz) describes a…

This document is the final report of the first year's operation of a project designed to train literacy and adult education providers and organizations in business, industry, and labor to develop and implement effective workplace literacy programs. The program, which operates in Pennsylvania on the state and regional levels, initiates the…

This article is devoted to explaining the use and misuse of standardized tests in adult literacy programs. Among the topics covered on that subject are why the tests are of such interest among adult educators: because the authority vested in these tests can determine the way programs are developed, what is taught, the climate of teaching and…