The experience of eight prominent Canadian business organizations was examined in terms of how basic skills deficits are identified in their work force, the impact of those deficiencies on organizational competitiveness, and why corporate programs are developed in response to the issue. Some of the key findings were as follows: (1) employee…

A project was conducted to assess the need for further education and training (FET) of the labor force. It documented institutional arrangements, policies, and practices regarding FET; analyzed their strengths and weaknesses; and considered possible action by public authorities. The concept of FET was found to have a strong economic character and…

This workplace literacy curriculum is based on neuropsychological brain behavior research and the principles of continuous improvement in a learning environment. Section 1 explains the choice of this model. Section 2 defines the need for this type of workplace curriculum. Sections 3 and 4 discuss the method of building the thematic units and…

The value of education in the workplace is becoming more evident as businesses face the challenges of the 20th century. Teaching and learning will become even more important for corporate success. If corporations are to be more productive, then one must change the way corporations and the people in them are viewed. Employees can no longer be…

The current strategy for Brazil's development does not focus on traditional advantages such as cheap and unskilled labor and inexpensive raw materials. The Brazilian government proposes an emphasis on vocational training and rehabilitation of human resources and on research and development. Vocational training has traditionally been offered by…

This report describes national demographic and work force trends that have important implications for institutions and presents recommended management strategies for the 1990s. Among the trends predicted for the next 10 years are the following: (1) a continuing reduction in the traditional 18-24 year-old college-going population; (2) the…

Some good news and some bad news can be seen in six areas of workplace literacy efforts: awareness, curriculum development, collaboration, staff training, research and evaluation, and funding. The good news includes the following: (1) more highly placed corporation executives are becoming aware of the need for literacy programs; (2) curriculum…

This document, which is based on a symposium devoted to capitalizing on the new work force, contains five reports describing how major U.S. corporations are dealing with the demographic changes currently under way in the United States. "Whither the Work Force?" (Delores Wolf) discusses the proper role of corporations in coping with a lack of…

The test for today's economy is to create a workforce development system that capitalizes on current opportunities across states, regions, and local communities. The economic environment is positive, with tight, dynamic, and global labor markets. The business need for job-ready, entry-level workers; high-skilled workers; and workers who can…

In the 1995 National Household Education Survey, adults were asked about six types of adult education activities: English as a second language, basic skills education, postsecondary credential programs, apprenticeships, work-related courses, and personal development courses. About 22 percent of adults reported participating in work-related…

This document contains three papers from a symposium on enhancing individual readiness through human resource development (HRD). "Secondary School Administrator's Perception of Enhancing Self-Worth through Service" (Thomas Li-Ping Tang, Emily James Weatherford) presents results of a study to examine secondary school administrators' endorsement of…

This document contains four papers from a symposium on work analysis and expertise. "Using Performance Analysis for Training in an Organization Implementing ISO-9000 Manufacturing Practices: A Case Study" (Dale E. Kunneman, Catherine M. Sleezer) reports on a study in which a theory-based model, the Performance Analysis for Training…

This document contains four papers from a symposium on change processes in organizations. "Mid-stream Corrections: Decisions Leaders Make during Organizational Change Processes" (David W. Frantz) analyzes three organizational leaders to determine whether and how they take corrective actions or adapt their decision-making processes when…

Educational institutions have neglected an urgent need to prepare workers for high-skill, high-performance jobs. Among the challenges states face are the following: (1) strengthening the basic skills achievements of all students, especially those from disadvantaged environments; (2) linking schools, colleges, communities, and work; (3) assessing…

This report identifies generic competencies (skills necessary for success in the workplace) and foundations (skills and qualities underlying the competencies). Chapter 1 explains use of this report to help educators make high school courses more relevant to the needs of a modern work force and to help employers ensure that their employees possess…