This study of one part of the cognitive system of an illiterate Indian (his method of enumeration, computation, and evaluation) demonstrates the sophisticated conceptualization of which he is capable, independent of a writing system. (Author/CMG)

Presents public policy issues that affect literacy among women. Discusses the economic jeopardy cycle of illiteracy, increased labor force participation of women, and family needs as factors which compel advocacy for programs aimed at increasing female literacy levels. Examines the illiteracy rate among women and its effect on employment. Includes…

Discusses the National Literacy Mission (NLM) launched in 1988 in India. Notes the barriers to successful campaigns for literacy in India. Describes the reasons for the particularly successful campaign in the state of Kerala, including the fact that it was in every sense a people's campaign. (SR)

Reviews recent developments in the sharing of information and ideas on adult illiteracy on an international basis. Describes two international conferences that focus on this topic and some of the results of each. (CH)

Given the large gap between the millions of adults in need of basic literacy skills and the shortage of teachers, tutors, and funds to serve them, computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has the potential to reduce the gap. The merits of CAI include its holding power, provision of a positive learning environment, opportunity to learn about computers,…

The authors discuss how training managers can deal with functional illiteracy among their worksite students. Recommendations include (1) understand the reading process, (2) use directed reading activity, (3) determine reading level of materials and trainees, and (4) investigate alternative materials. (CH)

Future jobs will require a higher level of literacy, yet the work force will contain a larger percentage of undereducated employees. Business must work with other sectors to fill the skill deficiency gap. Several interactive video programs have been developed to help employees improve basic skills. (CH)

Making the Grade was a national and local level project designed to raise public awareness and stimulate cooperative action on behalf of American youth. Over the past 3 years, Making the Grade reviewed America's progress in solving problems that prevent youth from becoming productive workers and responsible citizens. It examined the areas of…

The author states that economic problems are the impetus behind a new call for school reform. Various proposed solutions are discussed, such as new governance structures, teacher improvement, and educational vouchers. (CH)

Slow growth of female literacy in Pakistan can be attributed to negative attitudes toward the status of women; religious, social, and political factors; and poverty, among others. Males receive more education than females, especially in rural areas. (SK)

The Adult Education Amendments of 1988 require the Department of Education to submit a report to Congress on the definition of literacy and then to estimate the extent of adult literacy. Literacy has been defined by self-report in early Census Bureau surveys, in a competency-based approach by the Adult Performance Level project, and as "the…

Although there may not be a direct causal relationship between illiteracy and crime a look at the broader picture points to a significant connection. As many as 50 percent of adults in federal and state prisons cannot read or write at all; the majority of prisoners are poor; blacks, comprising only 12 percent of the general population, make up…

Describes a functional literacy program successfully carried out in a very remote district in the mountains of Nepal. Describes the program's successes in increasing literacy, self-confidence, community awareness, and social awareness among Nepali women. Discusses keys to this success. (SR)

The author suggests that illiterates are portrayed by the media as incompetents leading miserable lives and that this image is incorrect for the majority. He commends the 1987 Southam News series on literacy for not following this trend; he describes the series and how it has put adult literacy on the Canadian agenda. (CH)

The authors focus on providing opportunities for women in Third World countries in agriculture. A review of the body of knowledge in agricultural development and of the issues surrounding current world food crises is included. (CH)