The author's predictions regarding possibilities for the future of continuing education focus on (1) some philosophic notes on emerging directions, (2) curriculum or programing to respond to, and to provide leadership in the light of, such an environment, and (3) organizational approaches to the end-of-the-century continuing education…

Notes that research has demonstrated the importance of parent-child interactions in developing literacy. Claims that parent literacy programs are effective in the children's literacy development. Proposes that research on the value of extensive interventions can suggest ways to improve parents' interactions with their children during the literacy…

Presents a short excerpt from Barbara Kingsolver's book "High Tide in Tucson," intended as a read-aloud for adult beginning readers. Discusses the selection, why it was chosen, and specific activities (both language arts and other) that could grow out of this excerpt. (SR)

Presents a case study that focuses on effects of an extensive reading program on an adult English language learner. Describes subject's reactions to the extensive reading approach using a qualitative framework. Discusses implications for the teaching of adult literacy. (RS)

A study assessed the reading ability of 50 clients at a rural Midwest women's health center and the readability of 10 of the clinic's health information materials. One in six women could not read all of the patient information, which could limit their understanding and achievement of good health care. Discusses implications for practice. (Contains…

Singapore students scored highest on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study. Any nation that "outsources" its poverty (Malaysian street sweepers) and its low-achievers (who study in Malaysia) can get high test scores. U.S./Japan score differences stem from Japan's effective teaching practices. Among 13 occupations in the…

Discusses the role of the public library in adult lifelong learning and literacy programs in light of federal legislation. Topics include funding issues; the librarian's role in fostering attitudes of creation and recreation; and the role of education for librarianship in preparing graduates for work with adult lifelong learners. (Contains 49…

Transcribes an interview with Ira E. Aaron, who discusses how he moved from journalism to reading education, the changes he would like to make in doctoral programs in reading, the preparation of reading teachers, the importance of children's literature, and the misplaced emphasis on research and publication over teaching. (RS)

Illustrates how a Malian adult literacy project linked to economic development activities was shaped by village realities: prior emergence of a literate ideology in the village, villagers' entrepreneurial aspirations and beliefs about literacy's consequences, and class organization paralleling traditional male age-associations. Contains 12…

Discusses illiterate and semiliterate adults who want to become literate to enjoy a more satisfactory quality of life. Describes their life experiences and provides examples of effective instruction methods based on the language experience approach, including dictation, word banks, journal writing, individualized and assisted reading, and…

Presents a portrait of adult literacy in Illinois based on the results of the State Adult Literacy Survey conducted in 1992 as part of the National Adult Literacy Survey. Highlights include age differences; foreign-born individuals; effects of education and training; employment, economic status, and civic responsibility; and language use.…

Describes practical questioning strategies for use in adult literacy classrooms where teachers attempt to balance the daily needs of literacy learning with the broader issue of education for social change. Also discussed is a study of one such classroom and its implications for adult literacy teacher education. (15 references) (MDM)

Includes "Staff Development for Educators Working with Black Communities" (Lewis, Murray); "The Changing Scene in Wales" (Poole); "Staff Development in Open College Networks" (Mager); "Staff Development in the Provision of Adult Literacy and Basic Skills" (Wells); and "European Aspects" (Oglesby).…

A diverse group of 27 adults completed 100 hours of computer-assisted reading instruction. Reading gains ranged from 0.4-7.5 grade levels and were greatest for subjects with a minimum pretest second grade reading level. Participants indicated the importance of skilled and empathic support from staff. (SV)

Examines literacy education in Iran, including educational objectives, content, student characteristics, teacher selection, textbooks, and obstacles to success. Concludes that Iranian literacy education is limited to reading, writing, and arithmetic, with no additional training aimed at functional literacy; and serves principally as a…