An exploratory study investigated the issues of nonparticipation and program attrition in adult basic education (ABE)literacy programs in the province of British Columbia (Canada). Literature was reviewed and opinions were sought from ABE professionals and other field workers. Seven literacy classes were visited, 66 persons from several different…

The National Adult Literacy Survey profiled the literacy of U.S. adults based on their performance on tasks reflecting materials and demands of daily life. Data were gathered through interviews with a random sample of 13,600 people over 16, a survey of 1,000 adults in each of 12 states, and interviews with 1,100 prison inmates, making a total of…

An evaluation of the fifth cycle of operation of the Massachusetts Workplace Education Initiative had several purposes: (1) to identify the indicators of quality in workplace education; (2) to begin to design an evaluation system for each program; and (3) to assess the indicators of quality for workplace education programs against the national…

This guide contains materials for a course in mathematical applications used by garment workers at the Apparel Group, Ltd. (ENRO). The course is designed to help employees understand the meaning of mathematical concepts, symbols, and functions; to acquire better mathematical skills, including fractions, percentages, and decimals; to develop…

A national focus group with 25 participants explored the current state of services for persons with disabilities in adult basic education (ABE) and how the ABE and disability communities could work together to create better service models. It found many states are doing little in this area. Six key findings were as follows: state ABE programs are…

The resource manual was developed by a staff development project that trained both paid staff and volunteer tutors to integrate CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System) as an assessment and curriculum tool. It is designed to assist tutors in linking task and skill competencies. The manual begins with an overview of assessment and…

A study was conducted to determine what was happening in literacy programs as a result of the major welfare reform law passed in 1996, and whether basic skills instruction was part of the solution. A nationwide search for exemplary programs that are using basic skills instruction as a fundamental component of assisting welfare recipients in moving…

The Casco Bay (Maine) Partnership for Workplace Education was a federally funded workplace literacy program that provided customized basic skills education at seven business sites in the Portland area. The partnership served more than 2,000 employees from 1993-96. Program characteristics included the following: ongoing and self-directed learning;…

This document contains eight lesson plans for a beginning course in work-related English for non-English or limited-English speaking entry-level employees in the hotel and hospitality industry. Course objectives include the following: helping participants understand and use job-specific vocabulary; receive and understand job-related instructions;…

This document contains 16 lesson plans for an advanced beginning and intermediate course in work-related English for non-English- or limited-English-speaking entry-level employees in the hotel and hospitality industry. Course objectives are as follows: helping participants understand and use job-specific vocabulary; receive and understand…

The Massachusetts Workplace Literacy Consortium was funded through a 3-year National Workplace Literacy Program grant. During the second grant year, the consortium operated 25 program sites that were almost evenly divided between health care and manufacturing. The following were the primary reasons programs were started: reduce error and waste…

The Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) of the Buffalo and Erie County, New York, Public Library is described with emphasis on objectives and programming developed for a grant project. The objectives included the following: conduct monthly support services for literacy tutors; sponsor training and information sessions for tutors; provide assistance to…

The University of Akron's Reading Assessment Component (RAC) research study assessed the effectiveness of a computer-based literacy program, Principles of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS), as an alternative to classroom instruction for functionally illiterate adults living in Summit County, Ohio. The RAC study assessed four objectives: (1)…

A YWCA-based family literacy model curriculum in Elgin, Illinois is described. In 1990, the Elgin YWCA had the following program components in place: six daytime and five evening ability level classes for adults taught by certified teachers; a preschool English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program for 3- to 4-year-old children of adult students;…

A project to improve the literacy skills of workers in a clothing manufacturing company is reported. The goal of the project was to teach practical workplace reading and writing skills using materials and requirements of the employees, the employer, and their union. The project integrated a skills approach with a creative writing approach. The…