This paper explores the distinction between "secular" and "Koranic" schooling and literacy in South Asia. It begins by tracing an archaeology of the distinction between secular "literacy" and religious "illiteracy". It locates the emergence of the distinction in the colonial census of the 19th century, in…

Literacy is a human right unequally distributed among the world's population. Despite global efforts to fight illiteracy, high illiteracy rates continue to jeopardize access for many to basic schooling, life-long learning, health, and environment safety. Illiteracy also hinders the economic prosperity of the poorest societies in this digital age.…

This guide suggests a number of activities that can be undertaken to prepare for and take part in the International Literacy Year (ILY). It is directed to groups such as national ILY organizing committees; local, national, regional and international non-governmental organizations; Unesco clubs and associations; institutions participating in the…

The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's goal of achieving 100 percent international literacy by the year 2000 led the United Nations General assembly to proclaim 1990 as International Literacy Year. This proclamation was linked to the formulation of a plan of action to assist member states in all regions of the world…

This manual is designed to provide materials to help state and local bar associations become involved with the literacy issue. Chapter 1 provides an overview of illiteracy as a very serious problem. Chapter 2 describes major public and private efforts to combat illiteracy. Chapter 3 explains why the bar associations should be involved. Chapter 4…

Richard Mitchell, the "Underground Grammarian," has been dismissed by many in the academic community as a pop-culture grammar-basher. This is unfortunate, since Mitchell has linked literacy to the capacity for moral behavior. This connection between moral capacity and literacy is often avoided by the way in which literacy is defined. In…

This brief critique points to issues and questions in Paulo Freire's work which attempts to construct methodologies for subverting vicious circles which create and maintain conditions of poverty and illiteracy. (Author/PG)

A review of recent UNESCO statistics on world illiteracy, current strategies in literacy work, the author's ideas on eclectic integrated strategy versus a single policy for functional literacy, and suggestions for possible Commonwealth action are covered in this paper which was presented to a Commonwealth adult education seminar. (EA)

Discusses a study of the abilities of literates and adult nonreaders to recall and use information from a national network television news program. (JMF)

Presents arguments for spelling reform, addresses various objections which are made against it, and briefly notes a method of reform called SR1, as it is used in Australia. (TA)

Presents a brief biography of Martin Luther, focusing on his work as a reformer of education. Discusses what is known of his childhood, his life in an Augustinian monastery, his posting of the 95 theses against the sale of indulgences and other abuses of the Catholic Church, and his call for universal compulsory schooling. (CT)

The author states that public policymakers and the nation's leadership, including business and industry, will need to throw their influence behind any effort made to promote literacy leadership at all levels by broadening the educational enterprise. (CT)

Discusses the interactive nature of adult illiteracy and emotional maladjustment. Specific emphasis is placed on describing a series of psychological barriers to learning: ambivalence about success; fear of risk taking; overdependence on authority figures; tension; defensive dominance; and intrusive memories of poor learning experiences. A group…

Evaluates the efforts to achieve a common or single definition of adult literacy in the United States. The article describes the current understandings of literacy as reported in the professional literature, focuses on the feasibility of establishing a common definition of adult literacy in America, and explores the normative aspects of the issue.…

Discusses the problem of illiteracy and offers the philosophy for children program as an antidote. This program encourages and assists children in paying attention to their own and others' ideas. It is a thinking skills program that has demonstrated its ability to improve children's basic skills. (JOW)