This collection of essays addresses issues related to basic literacy and mathematical competence in the United States. Articles include the following: "The Roots of Literacy" (David Hawkins); "Historical Perspectives on Literacy and Schooling" (Daniel P. Resnick); "Reconciling the Literacies of Generations" (William…

This report describes how a Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) Title VI Library Literacy Program grant was used to improve the literacy and coping skills of illiterate and functionally illiterate inmates incarcerated at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. A second objective of this literacy program was to produce an annotated…

Although the emphasis on adult literacy/basic education is increasing, the high dropout rate from programs in these areas is a concern. Why learners choose to participate or not to participate in such programs can be understood in terms of three sets of factors. Learner-inherent factors include self-evaluation, goals, and capabilities. Life…

The 1988-89 Highlands Educational Literacy Project (HELP) in southwest Virginia was initially designed to provide local volunteer tutors with intensive training in the Laubach one-to-one method of teaching reading. HELP was a cooperative effort of community service agencies, church and civic groups, and interested individuals to provide free…

Present educational problems and future challenges for education in Latin American countries are addressed. Descriptions are given of weaknesses and strengths in primary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education. It is noted that illiteracy is a grave problem pervading both educational and social systems, and that there is a lack…

Illiteracy is a serious problem for older people, particularly for older minorities. Of the 23 million adults in the United States classified as functionally illiterate, 44 percent are over 50, and those 60 and over account for about one-third of the totally illiterate population. Being illiterate to whatever degree diminishes the employment…

The 16 papers in this issue look at the needs of youth through the 1990s, describe ways librarians are meeting those needs, suggest additional services, and analyze the Mohonk Conference held in 1986 and its impact on libraries in the state of Youth in These Changing Times" (Jennifer Birckmeyer); (2) "Oh Boy, Here They Come! Library…

Intended for educators, politicians, and the corporate community, this book examines the facts and the serious implications of the complicated problem of illiteracy, placing it squarely within the context of America's history and current cultural environment, and recommending far-reaching, programmatic solutions rather than "quick fixes." The book…

Conference presentations of four individuals are included. The first presentation, by a new reader (Marty Finsterbusch), discusses the diversity of the illiterate population and urges new readers to become actively involved in the instruction and administration of literacy programs. Advantages include improved recruitment, improved communication…

The national language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, although there are hundreds of languages and dialects spoken by different ethnic groups. In 1977, more than 26 million Indonesians were illiterate in their national language. Present efforts to eradicate illiteracy include construction of 10,000-15,000 primary schools annually since 1973 and…

Illiteracy is a serious problem in the United States, and Hispanics have substantially higher rates of illiteracy than any other major population group: by the traditional measure of literacy, the completion of five years of schooling, 11.9 percent of Hispanics 25 years and older could be considered illiterate, compared to 1.8 percent of the…

These 10 modules provide job search training for adults and youths. The activities can be modified for nonreaders, those with limited academic skills, unemployed professionals, persons with limited work experience, potential dropouts and other unemployed youth, older job seekers, and persons with mental handicaps. Introductory materials are…

The lead article in this issue discusses how linkages at any level from local to national government can help put into practice changing concepts of education and development. The 72-item annotated bibliography and the 12 project descriptions provide resources on the topic of linking formal and non-formal education. Examples from the literature on…

Countless reports have appeared during the past decade documenting the United States' failure to educate its citizens. These studies indicate that 27 million adult Americans have left school either unable to read and write, or unable to read sufficiently well to understand the most basic newspaper articles or official forms. These problems have…

This report expands upon a policy resolution passed unanimously at the 53rd Annual Conference of Mayors in 1985. The first part of the report, a policy statement, points out the magnitude of the adult illiteracy problem and of some of the issues involved, and briefly indicates how various segments of society can contribute to a solution. The…