Examines knowledge, attitudes, and development requirements of adult basic education (ABE) and general equivalency diploma (GED) staff regarding students with learning disabilities. Reports that respondents generally held positive attitudes towards the learning disabled, but were not as knowledgeable about the learning disabled's legal rights.…

Describes a laser videodisc program which helps non-native English learners gain confidence and language skills in social contact or casual conversation situations by having them interact with a variety of "characters" at a backyard barbecue. Describes production problems and problems associated with making a workable interactive system.…

Discusses problems involved with surveying and assessing literacy rates in developing nations. Defines current debates over literacy measurement, classification, and surveying. Examines and questions current assumptions linking literacy policy and economic development. Describes models for surveying and measuring literacy and numeracy skill…

Examines the question of illiteracy in the Caribbean relative to international trends in adult education. Identifies Jamaica's JAMAL literacy program and Grenada's Centre for Popular Education as the dominant influences on the development of adult education programs. Views strategic planning, as found in these programs, as a necessity for success.…

A survey of 52 directors of adult basic education (ABE) programs assessed the prevalence of students with learning disabilities (LD) in their programs; definitions of LD currently in use; diagnosis of LD among ABE students and extent and type of training for instructors about LD. Results are summarized and recommendations made for service…

Barriers to Hmong adults' participation in adult basic education (ABE) include nonliterate tradition, age, cooperative-learning style, and stress. Various programs attempt bilingual English as a Second Language, vocational English as a Second Language, or multicultural training for ABE staff. The lack of Hmong educators makes the latter an…

Surveys, interviews, and group discussions with 18 inmates enrolled in adult basic education elicited the inmates' perceptions of important factors in effective literacy classes: teacher behavior (explaining, giving examples); instructional environment (informal but well organized); and type of text (short stories and novels rather than…

Describes a study conducted of literacy programs at five companies that used community colleges in their basic skills program. Indicates that no companies asked colleges to conduct needs assessments and that companies believed that only workplace-specific curricula were effective components of the programs. (25 citations) (MAB)

Today's literacy crusade still emphasizes economic rather than humanistic reasons for literacy education. However, lasting change will come only through breaking the familial cycle of illiteracy, integrating improvement of work-based, family, and generic learning skills. (SK)

Two prediction models using age and entry-level reading and math scores to differentiate completers and noncompleters were tested with 1,319 community college adult basic education students. Persisters and dropouts were not homogeneous groups; for example, General Educational Development completers differed from other completers, and early and…

Introduces the standardized safety sign system being established in the United States. Argues that these safety signs, symbols, and warnings may be a good place to begin a workplace literacy project for workers with limited reading skills. (SR)

Many Latin American states, characterized by "colonization" of the state by dominant families or individuals, are unable to carry out proper state functions. In attempting to address such states' shortcomings, nonformal adult education has been prominent in new educational policies of revolutionary governments in Cuba, Nicaragua, and…

The knowledge and abilities necessary for reflective and able adult literacy teaching are discussed. Focus is on whether there are common theoretical underpinnings in the adult basic education (ABE) and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) fields, and a comparison of ABE and TESOL field practices. (nine references) (LB)

People with mental retardation have been overlooked in recreation/leisure and decision making, which are integral to full community participation. They must be provided with leisure education and decision-making skills. The article describes the Decision Making in Leisure model, explaining its use with individuals with mental retardation. (SM)

Describes the BEGIN Education literacy programs in adult education. Policy issues in the federal funding of BEGIN are outlined. The challenge is to structure BEGIN so that it defines and addresses a solid and clearly articulated philosophy of adult education as it meets regulatory demands and expectations. (SLD)