Some researchers estimate that 99 percent of occupations require some ability to read. Yet, illiteracy is a present and growing problem for many businesses. Some researchers contend that the basic educational system does not prepare workers to read on the job. Many teachers consider reading an elementary skill and do not focus on it in higher…

The Professional Development Program (PDP) of Rockefeller College of the State University of New York, in partnership with the Eddy/Northeast Health of Troy, New York, conducted a 3-year demonstration project to provide and foster institutionalization of a functionally contextual workplace literacy curriculum and training program to upgrade the…

This book contains eight case studies of critical literacy in action in Victoria, Australia. The following papers are included: "Preface" (John Dewar Wilson); "Introduction" (Delia Bradshaw); "Making the Time and Space for Critical Literacy: Why Bother?" (Barbara Comber); "Questioning Text: Critical Literacy in…

This set of 36 newsletters deals with adult literacy programs and issues of interest to the business and literacy communities. Each issue contains either a message to corporate chief executive officers or a Business Council for Effective Literacy (BCEL) editorial, and most issues include brief reports on recent BCEL and corporate literacy actions…

This book contains eight papers reporting research projects that were conducted by adult language, literacy, and numeracy practitioners with funding provided through one-time scholarships to Tasmanian students in the field of adult language and literacy. The following papers are included: "Foreword" (Ian Falk); "Preface"…

The research on literacy and numeracy in vocational education and training (VET) in Australia and elsewhere was reviewed. The following topics were examined: (1) the basic skills, growth and heritage, and critical-cultural approaches to literacy; (2) policy regarding literacy and numeracy in VET; (3) changes in literacy practice in response to…

Because of the changing nature of work in society, higher levels of basic skills in reading, writing, and computation are needed in all occupational areas, whether or not they are related to high technology. Although research on the relationship between job performance and basic skills is not definitive, it is clear that it is more important for…

Together, these four newsletters contain 36 articles devoted to adult literacy research and practice and the relationship between them. The following articles are included: "A Productive Partnership" (Richard J. Murnane, Bob Bickerton); "Welcome to 'Focus on Basics'" (Barbara Garner); "Applying Research on the Last Frontier" (Karen Backlund, Kathy…

This document introduces community leaders and practitioners to innovative approaches to improving workforce literacy by building accessible lifelong learning systems to prepare adults with the array of skills needed to prosper in the new economy. The introduction defines literacy and workforce literacy and outlines the challenges that education,…