Examines the failure of adult literacy programs in North America. Argues that the problem's scope and funding limitations demand cost- effective measures: prevention of early childhood deprivations that stunt cognitive development, replacement of many full-time programs with part-time or drop-in programs, and use of volunteers. (SV)

A study used the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire and the Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Control Scale to understand the nature of internal and external factors in the lives of two groups of low literate adults--26 prisoners and 26 persons in noninstitutional settings. Results showed that both groups attribute their…

Describes an intergenerational reading program using children's literature in adult literacy classes. Discusses the adult literacy training sessions and the adaptations of the model in a variety of instructional settings. (JOW)

One hundred sixty adult basic education students functioning at or below the sixth-grade level rated the extent to which they needed to learn 20 functional tasks. Factor analysis suggested three broad categories: everyday reading and writing, math and measurement, and special literacy tasks. Cluster analysis identified distinct subgroups based on…

Reviews three volumes that address national and international efforts to increase adult literacy. The books focus on: (1) case studies of literacy campaigns since 1560, and better known, contemporary mass education programs; (2) literacy work as a form of cultural politics; and (3) United Nations field-based literacy projects. (SV)

Discusses relationship between school and home learning contexts and effects on literacy education and intervention. Many approaches to parental involvement erroneously assume parent competence, self-confidence, and interest; and focus on parents acting according to classroom norms. Programs should be didactic, provide continuity between home and…

Reflecting on her practice with one learner, an adult literacy tutor argues that, because literacy acquisition is the same for children and adults, practitioners must study literacy literature across age levels in order to provide programs that are developmentally appropriate and instructionally responsive. (SK)

In the Big Book Experience, a text is projected on a screen and read aloud to students. In adapting the technique for adult literacy students, choose literature relevant to adults that is well written, reflective of a wide range of experiences, diverse, representative of many genres, and enjoyable. Follow-up activities enhance learner interaction…

Uses focus groups, a questionnaire, and in-depth interviews to reveal conditions needed for teachers' professional development: time to meet, solve problems, and reflect on practice and exposure to other teachers' strategies. Notes unexpected differences between adult literacy and English language teachers. (SR)

Describes how a teacher of adult literacy uses group poetry writing with her students to enhance language and critical skills. (SR)

Staff working with adult literacy clients take a six-step exploration of power: (1) defining power as degree of choice available; (2) identifying factors enabling choice; (3) examining schools' role in reproducing social relations; (4) comparing social status; (5) depicting participants' place on the power differential continuum; and (6)…

A mother's literacy is the best predictor of a child's academic success. However, intimidated, undereducated parents are unlikely to become involved in their children's learning. The most promising family literacy programs provide intensive, multifaceted literacy services for the whole family. Sample Kenan Model programs are adult basic skills…

Describes a successful project to prepare Head Start teachers on the Navajo Reservation for the National Child Development Associate assessment process and to provide instruction in Adult Basic Education for teachers. Discusses the storytelling method used, in which Navajo teachers who had problems writing drew upon their tradition of storytelling…

An assistant superintendent describes his experience teaching Jay, an intelligent, learning-disabled 47-year-old forestry technician to read and write beyond the third grade level. Like young readers, adults must convince themselves they are capable of progress before any can be made. Jay now reads at sixth grade level and is still progressing.…

A study aimed to enhance the opportunities and access to literacy training for women with a non-English-speaking background. Options are proposed for the development of literacy skills from which learners and teachers can choose to suit their own needs. (Contains 20 references.) (LB)