Underlying assumptions, enhancement procedures, and problems associated with the enhancement of critical reading were discussed. Empirical evidence was cited to demonstrate that critical reading could be defined as overlapping substantially with critical thinking and as sharing with critical thinking a very large verbal component, particularly…

In these publications of the National Reading Center, several organizations which aid illiterate adults in learning reading skills are described. The purpose, clients, activities, and programs are discussed for the National Association for Public Continuing and Adult Education (NAPCAE), American Library Association - Adult Service Division, Adult…

This volume, the seventh in a series, is the first yearbook published after the Southwest Reading Conference for Colleges and Universities was changed to the National Reading Conference for Colleges and Adults. All of the fourteen papers and reports presented at the annual meeting in December 1957 are included in this volume. Among topics covered…

An analysis of job reading requirements indicates that most job reading is reading-to-do, while job training programs require reading-to-learn tasks also. (MKM)

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)

The DeFord Theoretical Orientation to the Reading Process was administered to 148 ABE and GED instructors to determine how they viewed the reading process. (HOD)

The purpose of this publication is to present the Executive Summary of the Program Year 2004 report on Iowa's adult literacy program benchmarks. The passage of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 [Public Law 105-220] by the 105th Congress ushered in a new era of collaboration, coordination, cooperation and accountability. The overall goal…

Suggesting that the continuing rise in illiteracy is due to the decrease of simple forms of communication including conversation, stories, songs, and rhymes, this study investigated the possibility of reestablishing the connection between literacy and orality through education, especially with English-as-a-second-language (ESL) students and with…

A discussion of materials and methods for adult literacy programs, considering types of reading matter, reading methods, televised reading instruction, and mentioning programmed instruction, testing for progress, and teacher role. A full list of references is given. (JB)

Looks at developments in adult reading over the past two decades, concentrating on the training of teachers, testing and evaluation, and program evaluation methods. Concludes that while adult reading has made substantial progress, it is still not a mature field. (FL)

Calls for public library cooperation to meet the needs of the 10 to 20 million adults in the U.S. who cannot read. It is suggested that, in light of declining budgets, the appropriate special collections and services be made available only at certain designated libraries or branches within a system. (LLS)

Discusses methods used to help adults improve their reading skills and read with more enjoyment. Particular attention is paid to the Reading Club method. An illustration is given of a particular exercise used at a center in Paris. (AMH)

Examines the current status of adult literacy programs in rural areas. Discusses the goals of rural adult literacy programs and the types of programs reported to be effective. Discusses the needs of adult illiterates in rural areas and the conditions that support--or limit--the widespread influence of effective programs. (MG)

A study compared results of an informal test of word recognition and a qualitative assessment of word knowledge with 32 adult basic education students. Results showed that adult spelling development is similar to that in children. The spelling-by-stage assessment instrument may be a useful substitute for word recognition tests. (SK)