Discusses the adult illiteracy problem in the United States. Describes the Reading Recovery Program and a similar reading program at Georgia Southwestern College which place teacher education students with first graders to serve as reading pals. (MG)

"In Quest of the Quick Fix: Staff Development in the 'National Literacy Training Act'" (Quigley) argues that professional development programs must consider "literacy for what?""Foundations for Adult Learning and Development Policy" (Craig) evaluates a policy document of the Alberta Advanced Education Ministry. (SK)

The relationship between U.S. national policies on literacy, available literacy programs, and individual lives is examined. A discussion of the pressures to become literate in English is followed by an analysis of language use in immigrant families and the effect of native language loss. Recommendations regarding the plurality of literacies are…

The role of teachers, teacher educators, researchers, program planners, and advocates in the somewhat unfocused field of adult literacy is discussed. They are invited to focus on three directions: shifting focus to families and communities, knowledge development, and multilevel collaboration. (Contains 10 references.) (LB)

Describes and analyzes how an Urban Appalachian woman who could not read or write progressed to functional levels when instruction involved her in reading her own language. Argues that educators who failed to acknowledge her language as an integral aspect of her as a learner may have denied her previous access to literacy. (SR)

Considers the meaning of professionalization for adult-literacy education. Surveys a group of practitioners, concluding that a credential could enhance the quality of adult-literacy instruction but that providing credentials is inextricably bound up with the issue of funding. Describes initiatives underway in four states, providing examples of how…

Describes programs at the Toronto Public Library that teach Internet skills to adult learners, including English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes and undereducated adults. Highlights include a sample lesson plan; experiences with adult-literacy classes; expanding Internet training; and Web sites for ESL and adult-literacy classes. (LRW)

Describes an experimental literacy class for socially and economically disadvantaged parents in the United Kingdom. Looks at the many factors affecting these adult students' participation and learning. Notes that the literacy students wanted more than functional literacy--literacy had to fulfill the need to express feelings, the need for…

A case history of a female literacy student examined how journal writing about her literacy experiences increased her metacognitive self-knowledge, reading comprehension, writing performance, and self-esteem. With one-to-one tutorial guidance, she learned to assess her literacy learning from her own perspective. (SK)

Evaluated a service learning course that matched preservice teachers and older adult literacy learners and aimed to address widespread attrition in adult education programs and the need for multicultural education for preservice teachers. Data revealed two essential elements of successful, reciprocal learning relationships: connecting across…

Adult literacy students (n=94) were interviewed upon program entry; follow-up interviews with 69 were conducted over 3 years. They perceived positive cognitive, psychological, and social changes from participation, especially initially. Increased school demands and minimal social support made some less positive about themselves by the end of their…

Explores the place of education in Indian society and recent outreach programs in preliteracy and adult literacy. Looks at traditions both before and after the formation of the Republic of India, reviews two programs for encouraging literacy, and identifies future challenges for Indian education. (DLH)

Describes Thirteen/WNET's wNetSchool and other Web sites of interest to adult learners and adult educators. Sites offer a variety of resources, including lesson plans, learning objectives, suggested activities, online video, links to other Web sites, continuing education programming, and adult literacy programs. (Author/LRW)

Presents highlights of a panel discussion on workplace literacy at the Literacy in the 21st Century Research Conference (Edmonton, Alberta, October 1997). Participants from business, government, and university discussed Syncrude Canada's Workplace Literacy Program, implications of the International Adult Literacy Survey for the labor market, and…

Analysis of data from 1,600 adult participants in Total Literacy Campaigns in India shows how adult acquisition of literacy skills improves their health habits, increases their participation in business startups and voting, and gives them higher aspirations for their children. Children have better enrollment and health status. Women improve their…