The authors discuss how training managers can deal with functional illiteracy among their worksite students. Recommendations include (1) understand the reading process, (2) use directed reading activity, (3) determine reading level of materials and trainees, and (4) investigate alternative materials. (CH)

Argues that although "plain English" (or "readability") is important, more compelling imperatives, such as a genuine belief in honest, responsive communication, need to be central to a company's values and culture. States that a company needs to implement policies to insure that plain English is the mainstay of healthy…

Effects of a simplified version of a driver's handbook on learning Florida driving laws was investigated. One group of students in basic education reading classes used the simplified version whereas a comparable group used the official manual. Students using the simplified version had greater achievement gains than the control group. (Author/CH)

Reviews a line of research in which the readability of basal reader stories is assessed through a comparison of traditional and story grammar-based indices. Presents implications for the measurement of readability and the preparation of basal reader stories. (FL)

Used a cloze procedure to measure 75 female patients' level of reading of a patient package insert for an oral contraceptive. Results showed three of four patients would need assistance in comprehending the information. Age and schooling had a significant effect on the cloze test scores. (JAC)

Presents guidelines for use in examining the comprehensibility of a textbook, questions to ask about the book, and suggestions for using the guide questions. (FL)

Description of the method and results of a study that evaluated introductory psychology textbooks according to their human interest and readability. It updates a previous study. (ND)

A good book review, based on E. G. Boring's recommendations, should include an abstract, criticism, and orientation of the book. Also, reviews of introductory psychology textbooks should include readability, human interests, evaluation of illustrations, and appropriate student audience. (ND)

Anonymous criticism of a reading consultant's readability analysis of the authors' introductory psychology textbook. (ND)

Illustrates how teachers might select materials, measure readability, lower the reading level, and enrich social studies materials. (Author/RB)

This book presents a method for the qualitative assessment of text difficulty, a method that relies on a total impression rather than on an analysis of text features. The method is based on matching samples of text to exemplars that have been scaled for comprehension difficulty. These exemplars range in difficulty from those suitable for the…

This special subject volume on "Authors" was especially created to appeal to young readers in a format they can enjoy reading and readily understand. Each volume contains alphabetically arranged sketches. Each entry provides at least one picture of the individual profiled, and bold-faced rubrics lead the reader to information on birth,…

Analyzes the concept of literacy for the purpose of identifying the parameters that must be specified in literacy definitions, identifies related measurement problems, and describes literacy assessment procedures currently available. (RB)

Explores factors that influence readability and a reader's ability to process information. (TO)