An assessment analysis was performed to determine whether sets of items designed to measure three different subskills of reading comprehension of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBSs) did, in fact, distinguish among these subskills. The three major skills objectives were: (1) facts; (2) generalizations; and (3) inferences. Data from…

To provide information concerning television and its impact on reading, a study was conducted to determine if the programing on a commercial television network would reveal a low number of positive references to reading. Programing was observed from 3:00 p. m. until 9:00 p. m. daily and from 9:00 A. M. to noon on Saturdays for a period of three…

The variable nature of literacy is discussed in chapter one of this paper, including problems of arbitrary standards, instruments, and criteria. In the second chapter, some of the historical roots of the concept of literacy are traced both to show how the concept of literacy evolved and to show how literacy has always been closely tied to the…

This report was prepared to assist the United States Army in evaluating the usefulness of readability formulas in identifying material that will be comprehended by readers at a given reading skill level. Existing readability methods and research findings were reviewed against three major criterion questions and the findings are discussed. The…

THE PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH THE ELIMINATION OF ILLITERACY IN THE UNITED STATES ARE DISCUSSED IN AN EXAMINATION OF ADULT LITERACY TODAY. THE EFFECT WHICH ILLITERACY HAS ON THE ABILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL TO ACQUIRE AND RETAIN A JOB IS EXPLAINED, AS ARE THE ECONOMIC, PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, AND MORAL REPERCUSSIONS OF ILLITERACY. DEFINITIONS OF…

Designed to meet the needs of older nonreaders, this booklet provides teaching suggestions and classroom activities for functional or survival reading skills. The topics covered include using the telephone; figuring the cost of a purchase; following directions; survival vocabulary for public signs; vocabulary for the medicine chest; reading the…

Takes an integrative look at the correlates of newspaper school students from Dallas, Texas. Suggests that the most important predictor of nonreadership is perception of time and effort needed to read the newspaper, with nonreaders having neither time nor interest. (MG)

Using historical and contemporary perspectives, the paper argues that reading is a malleable social practice with identifiable moral and ideological consequences. A model that defines reading in contemporary social life through four interconnected roles is presented. The importance of critical reading in everyday life is illustrated through…

A progressive time delay procedure used in a small group instructional arrangement was successful in teaching four high school students with severe handicaps to read community-referenced words. Two of the students learned additional words by observing their peers. (Author/DB)

Research on adult literacy in Canada showed the need for another category of adult reader--Level 3. Canadians at Level 3 can use reading materials in a variety of situations, provided the material is simple and clearly laid out, and the tasks involved are not too complicated. Although these people generally do not see themselves as having…

A study investigated the effects of selected psychophysiological factors known to affect cognitive functioning on the reading achievement of older adults. The subjects, 34 noninstitutionalized adults ranging in age from 50 to 88 years, completed measures of (1) self-reported mental and physical health, (2) nonverbal intelligence, (3) reading…

Results of a 1977 assessment of the reading abilities of approximately 1,250 adults (26 to 35 years old) are reported in this paper and are compared with results of a similar assessment made in 1971. After discussing a typical comprehension exercise used in the assessment, the paper presents the materials and multiple choice questions used in…

As part of the development of a functional literacy test for fourth through eighth grade children in Title I compensatory education programs, this report enumerates a set of criteria for selecting appropriate tests. The criteria are grouped into six categories: (1) test background; (2) psychometric quality; (3) examinee appropriateness; (4)…

This bibliography of adult and teenage reading materials was prepared primarily for use by literacy volunteers in member organizations of Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. Literacy volunteers are trained to use in their tutoring materials that fill immediate needs of the students in their everyday living. Under each reading level reading…

In order to give attention to the varied backgrounds and experiences of individuals entering adult basic education classes, a change from the established preselected program is suggested. This new approach would center around the assessment of a student's level of development in essential reading skills, particularly of word-attack skills. Such a…