Lists and describes the criteria used by the Toronto Public Library in selecting basic reading materials for functional illiterates. (CHC)

Provides a rationale for developing document literacy--the ability to read and use the many printed forms of information encountered on a regular basis, such as applications, forms, and instructions. Offers practical suggestions for using such documents in middle school classrooms. (EV)

Suggestions are offered to parents of hearing-impaired children of ways to develop literacy skills. Recommendations include reading to the child, helping the child begin to interpret print, encouraging functional literacy, and helping the child develop strategies for understanding textbooks. (DB)

Summarizes the philosophical background of cultural literacy. Argues that cultural literacy derives from an educational philosophy hostile to the needs of technical students. Concludes that reading and writing instruction should be personally relevant to technical students. (MM)

Student performance objectives for the North Carolina Senior High Assessment of Reading Performance (SHARP) and the Test of Proficiency in Computation Skills (TOPICS) are given. These minimum competency tests are structured in such a way as to facilitate the transference of school-based learning into everyday life. For example, students taking the…

This guide is intended for use in developing informational materials intended to be read by adults with limited reading skills. Most of the examples used throughout the guidelines relate to food and nutrition; however, the concepts they illustrate are applicable to any topic. The following topics are covering: knowing a written message's intended…

Introduces the standardized safety sign system being established in the United States. Argues that these safety signs, symbols, and warnings may be a good place to begin a workplace literacy project for workers with limited reading skills. (SR)

This guide is intended to help people with intellectual disabilities, their friends, family members, and support workers evaluate and choose a literacy program that includes people who have differences. A brief introduction points out that, in Canada, all citizens have the right to an education and cites Article 15 of the Canadian Charter of…

The article presents an approach to instructional design for mainstreamed students with and without mild disabilities, stressing functionality in a three-step procedure: (1) select what the student (general, gifted, learning disabled, or mildly retarded) needs to learn; (2) determine its functional value; and (3) decide how best to teach the…

This guide is designed to provide secondary teachers and administrators with the information necessary to adapt or develop a functional curriculum for children and youth who display academic difficulties. (A functional curriculum teaches functional skills in the most appropriate setting for specific skill acquisition.) It provides suggestions of…

As part of the development of a functional literacy test for fourth through eigth grade children in Title I compensatory education programs, this report defines functional literacy for children and enumerates criteria for evaluating existing tests. Criteria for selection of a test include: (1) content, empirical, and construct validity; (2)…

This guide, developed through a workshop of communicators from diverse U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' agencies, outlines a process for developing publications for people with limited literacy skills. The process was derived from communications, health education, and literacy research and practice. The guide features both proven…

This guide for literacy program managers and coordinators provides basic information about people labeled as having an intellectual disability and offers practical teaching strategies and tips on designing inclusive literacy programs. It also raises questions to encourage re-examination of programs. The first four short chapters are on: making the…

Advocates encouraging parents who are illiterate or semiliterate to make use of practices that do not require literacy skills, but that will support their children in becoming successful readers. Suggests many activities that will help both children and parents develop literacy skills, such as tutoring and discussing television shows. (SKC)

This publication notes that while the elementary school student must learn to read, the secondary school student must read well to learn. With this purpose in view, this curriculum guide presents checklists that can serve as organizational tools for teachers who wish to plan meaningful reading experiences that develop skills and strategies for use…