National and international studies such as the recent Survey of Adult Skills provide strong evidence of the need for and economic value of adult basic skills (ABS). Although ABS program evaluation and accountability reports typically show small gains for program participants in test scores and other outcomes, these studies rarely include…

This paper examines the literacy and post-literacy needs of rural women in Nepal, describes a pilot study in using community radio to supplement a classroom-based post-literacy programme for these women, analyses the findings of this intervention and considers the implications for similar programmes in other settings.

Action Research on Measuring Literacy Programme Participants' Learning Outcomes (RAMAA) aims to develop, implement and collaborate on the creation of a methodological approach to measure acquired learning and study the various factors that influence its development. This report examines how RAMAA I has been implemented over the past four years in…

Beyond 3Rs to learning within political action to functional literacy to life skills, the discourse on adult literacy has primarily been defined by civil society organizations. This article presents thoughts on adult literacy programs coming from educators and advocates and the underlying dilemmas of autonomy and collaboration with government for…

This report summarizes for fiscal year 1995 the adult education activities implemented throughout the state of Florida in response to and in support of the Florida Model Literacy Program Act of 1978 (Florida Adult Literacy Act). In addition, the report presents a summary of the activities initiated under Blueprint 2000, legislation that…

Describes a workplace literacy project implemented at a hospital with help from a university and a literacy organization. Finds significant changes in all basic skill areas and improvement in job performance, attitude, and self-esteem. Argues that well-designed programs improve employee job performance when program success is closely linked to…

This document provides a framework for local education agencies to monitor, support, and evaluate basic skills provision for adults. It sets out a general approach to evaluation based on three crucial factors in basic skills provision: inputs, process, and outcomes. It suggests some possible program indicators for basic skills, including average…

Explores the relationship between participation in a Canadian urban adult literacy programs and employment status over three years. Finds that most participants returned to the same sort of low-paying jobs. Suggests that agencies and groups providing financial support for such programs reconsider the strong focus on employment that permeates these…

An impact study was conducted of ABC CANADA's LEARN campaign, a national media effort aimed at linking potential literacy learners with literacy groups. Two questionnaires were administered to 94 literacy groups, with 3,557 respondents. Findings included the following: (1) 70 percent of calls to literacy groups were from adult learners aged 16-44;…

The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council offered a pilot program for instruction in mathematics in conjunction with its literacy program. The small group collaborative model was used. The council trained 20 tutors in a 12-hour basic reading workshop, then started 13 groups in 9 neighborhoods. Groups of about five students and a tutor met once each…

This report focuses on a December 1988 to December 1989 evaluation of the structures, processes, and outcomes of 15 primarily volunteer tutor-based literacy programs. It addresses the effectiveness of the Saskatchewan Literacy Campaign in increasing tutor and learner enrollments in the programs. Chapter 1 provides background and definitions.…

A study evaluated Macomb Reading Partners (MRP), the tutoring program of the Macomb Literacy Project. It researched the effectiveness of literacy training and its impact on the lives of a target group of 30 automotive workers. Data sources were a structured interview, the Word Opposites Test of the Botel Reading Inventory (1962), and participant…

Describes a joint literacy program between Drexel University in Philadelphia and the Center for Literacy which is based on three nonintrusive instructional procedures: the language-experience approach, individualized reading, and expressive writing. Presents case studies of three adult learners. Evaluates the program's effectiveness. (SR)

The potential of programs supported by the Basic State Grants section of the federal Adult Education Act was evaluated; the first interim part of the study provides descriptive information on the adult education service delivery system. The study drew primarily on data collected from two surveys of local adult education programs--a universe survey…