This literature review provides an overview of the main lines of discussion and enquiry around social capital and adult learning and literacy. It was written as a background paper for "The Centre for Literacy's 2010 Summer Institute" on workplace literacy and essential skills (LES). The Institute focus was "what…

Sociocultural concerns have provided the framework for literacy expectations throughout the history of the United States, and have determined the extent to which national emphasis has been placed on adult literacy programs. Early literacy programs have been traced to the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. The next surge of interest in…

Literacy and work force preparedness are two of the most important issues facing education today. Findings of nationwide studies show that reading and writing performance of students is inadequate. One of every eight current workers reads at the fourth-grade level or lower. The nation's economic future will be determined by the quality and…

This blueprint is intended to give employers and organized labor an overview of the issues involved in workplace literacy. The guide is divided into six sections. Section 1 defines and introduces workplace literacy. Section 2 highlights some of the issues employers and organized labor are facing as a result of low literacy levels in the workplace.…

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…

Two literacy programs based at the State University of New York, College at Brockport (SUNY-Brockport) universities have achieved some success, but both programs have changed, for various reasons. University students have much to gain from their involvement in literacy programs, including the satisfaction of helping others, the opportunity to…

This brief presents summary information about the U.S. Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, which mandated the Commercial Driver's License Test (CDL); the compliance status of states and drivers to date; and a recently authorized government grants program that will help fund CDL adult education programs. It also provides…

A review of literature and work with focus groups shows that, although adult education has always focused on helping undereducated adults prepare for work, since the early 1990s there has been emphasis on work force development (helping prepare the work force and get them into rewarding productive jobs) and workplace (organizational) change. A…

As part of a project that identified the specific literacy skills required in ten occupations, this report provides two levels of instructional information about electricians. Factual data are presented in Parts I and II for use in decision making by program developers, administrators, teachers, and counselors. These sections note the specific…

This brief presents summary information and contacts/references for a sampling of programs and resources that have been developed to support small business workplace literacy projects. Twenty-two contacts are included: Finger Lakes Regional Education Center for Economic Development; Development Assistance Corporation; Wayne Community College;…

This bulletin for businesses is a step-by-step guide to planning and implementing an effective job-related employee basic skills program. Part 1 provides general principles to guide the effort. It addresses literacy and basic skills, the importance of context, and changing requirements for literacy. A preview of key program principles concludes…

As part of a project that identified the specific literacy skills required in ten occupations, this report provides two levels of instructional information about industrial maintenance mechanics. Factual data are presented in Parts I and II for use in decision making by program developers, administrators, teachers, and counselors. These sections…

As part of a project that identified the specific literacy skills required in ten occupations, this report provides two levels of instructional information about licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Factual data are presented in Parts I and II for use in decision making by program developers, administrators, teachers, and counselors. These sections…

As part of a project that identified the specific literacy skills required in ten occupations, this report provides two levels of instructional information about machine tool operators. Factual data are presented in Parts I and II for use in decision making by program developers, administrators, teachers, and counselors. These sections note the…

As part of a project that identified the specific literacy skills required in ten occupations, this report provides two levels of instructional information about secretaries. Factual data are presented in Parts I and II for use in decision making by program developers, administrators, teachers, and counselors. These sections note the specific…