Adult basic education (ABE) policies aim to help adults improve their literacy, numeracy and information and communications technology skills, as well as their qualifications, often in pursuit of economic gains such as better employment and earnings. The large-scale improvement of skills and qualifications has been referred to as a wicked policy…

The National Literacy Program in Namibia (NLPN) was launched in 1992 with the objective of achieving 80% national literacy among adults. Several evaluations, including an evaluation of system policy and performance, have been conducted. The methodology of these evaluations and the philosophy behind them are discussed. (SLD)

This guide raises and discusses questions to guide workplace literacy. The historic context for this handbook is the progress of Project REACH from its inception in 1986 to the present. An introduction considers how an workplace literacy. An introduction considers how an organization's history affects program decisions. Chapter 1 looks at…

An effective director of adult basic education (ABE) utilizes the strengths of his staff. Improvement of ABE programs should include careful attention to priorities and local needs. Community cosponsorship agreements are mutually beneficial and an effective means of student recruitment. Scheduling should allow for balance in time, location,…

Discusses the complexity of the process needed to effect renewal and improvement in adult literacy and basic education. Suggests that various stakeholders hold their own sets of interests and that, to implement changes effectively, these groups need to negotiate and construct a conception of quality that all can accept. (JOW)

The arguments for the monitoring and evaluation of adult literacy and basic education programs are no different from those justifying monitoring and evaluation of any other educational program. The priority and status accorded different programs are likely to determine commitment to their internal and external evaluation and the form that these…

Written primarily for use in training, this monograph is addressed to the middle-level evaluation worker in literacy projects and programs. The 12 chapters deal with the following topics: evaluation as a link in the "ideology to technology" chain, evaluation models and approaches, the situation-specific strategy model of evaluation, making…

Recent studies indicate that Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs are reaching more students and the cost per enrolled has declined, but statistics are not available to reveal the quality of the programs. In four states, ABE has made reported, tested differences in adult reading ability. In New York and Missouri, students gained an average of…

An evaluation model for workplace literacy programs was developed and applied at two industrial plants. Development of the model included a literature review and consultation with plant managers. The model included interviews, questionnaires, Cloze tests, class observation, plant-gathered productivity indexes, and supervisor ratings. The…

This guide is designed to help Ontario's literacy program coordinators implement the Core Quality Standards in their literacy programs. It provides ideas about simple approaches to evaluation which they can use. The first part of the guide discusses what program evaluation is and what it can do for the program coordinator. The second part…

A project was conducted at the Northwest Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) Resource Center in northwest Ohio to establish workplace education indicators of program quality with specific measures and standards. Research was conducted through a survey of other states to determine their status in the development of workplace…

Analyzes data from evaluations of seven Nepalese literacy programs (five for adults and two for out-of-school children) using the same instructional materials and design. Examines dropout rates, female participation, language of instruction, skill acquisition, skill retention, changes in attitudes and knowledge, effects on elementary enrollment,…

Intended for use by local education agencies and communities in developing and improving their literacy programs, this publication presents, in rating scale form, the elements that are essential in creating programs that are effective and comprehensive. The areas to be rated by the scale include leadership, community involvement, program…

Ten literacy pilot programs developed by the Adult Basic Education Society (ABES) of Pakistan in Gujranwala, Pakistan, between 1963 and 1973 were analyzed and evaluated to evolve a series of adult literacy program development guidelines. The programs were evaluated on the basis of an eleven-category evaluation system developed by Cyril Houle in…

Presents Botswana's experience with a national literacy program as a model for the understanding of policies and implementation of national literacy programs. Concludes that, although the Botswana National Literacy Programme represents a significant effort in adult literacy education, a rapid increase in the literacy rate is unlikely. (KO)