In addition to the familiar problem of functional illiteracy (the inability of adults to read at a basic level) another distrubing problem is becoming apparent--aliteracy. Increasing numbers of capable readers are choosing not to read. This problem is indicated by a 1969 survey that found that 58% of United States adults have never finished a…

The organization and mobilization for literacy work consist of two overlapping parts: organizational design and institution building. Organizational design, which covers both the technical and the social system, can be seen to include the following processes: analysis of the institution; invention of roles; invention of rules relating the roles…

In Seki Tribal Trust Land in Rhodesia, during June and July, 1970, full-time literacy courses attended by 65 participants were held for members of three savings clubs. The first objective was to replicate the literacy teaching developed for the Chiduku literacy project (see AC 008 361), which included teaching the Shona primer and then teaching…

This study sought to outline the general consensus of sociologists, educators, planners, administrators, and social reformers in India as to the nature of adult literacy; to examine drawbacks (if any) in their concepts; and to analyze and harmonize different viewpoints on functional literacy. Differing concepts in the field at large were traced…

Traditional literacy and functional literacy programs in Africa are discussed in their various aspects. Emphasis is given to the practical side of the problems, and some guidelines for action are suggested. The illiteracy rate in Africa is shown to be 50% to 80% of the population. The various methods that have been used to teach reading are…

Two different uses of computers in instruction are Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Computer Managed Instruction (CMI). CMI is primarily concerned with data management in the instructional process, and CAI is the use of computers to control the instructional process itself. The uses of computers in instruction can be described in four main…

The work of this Panel for the Evaluation of Experimental Literacy Projects was the assessing of how the pattern of evaluation it had previously formulated had been applied in the Experimental World Literacy Programme (EWLP). In the judgment of the Panel, by 1974 evaluation specialists will be able to present a report that will enable Member…

This paper describes the Adult Performance Level (APL) project, an alternative to external high school diplomas such as the General Educational Development (GED) test. Based on the need for "functional literacy" or "functional competency," the program teaches basic skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening, communication,…

Such everyday paper materials as cash register receipts, labels, travel pamphlets, and train schedules provide a wealth of excellent materials for teaching life skills and functional reading to multihandicapped hearing-impaired students. Possible activities include comparing grocery receipts and conjecturing about the shoppers and reading medicine…

Describes current research being done on literacy and discusses reasons behind the varied estimates of adult literacy rates. Presents several case studies of adults who are currently or have been in reading programs, particularly older adults. Describes the work of major literacy education providers. (CH)

According to studies using the Degrees of Reading Power system for estimating readability, most high school graduates cannot read at a level enabling them to understand much of what they read in newspapers, periodicals, work-related documents, or many high school texts or tests. (PGD)

Although the literacy and related competencies required in skilled and semiskilled occupations are far more complex than the term "functional" implies, only marginal literacy competencies may be required for success on the job. Recommendations to adult basic education teachers include guidelines for preparing students for success in the workplace.…

Argues that adult literacy instruction should develop slowly over time and begin in the expressive and poetic discourse modes. (HOD)

This document offers an overview of the Houston READ Commission (HRC), a nonprofit urban literacy coalition created by the Mayor and City Council in the Greater Houston area. It describes how the coalition of community organizations first came together in 1988, in response to a survey's finding that there are over one million functionally…

This document describes the programs and services offered by the Houston READ Commission (HRC), a nonprofit urban literacy coalition created by the Mayor and City Council of the Greater Houston area. After highlighting what HRC provides for the community, the document provides brief descriptions of general programs and services, talks about the…