This study used the naturalistic inquiry technique of personal interviews to investigate the exchange that exists between illiterate adults and their readers. A nonmonetary payment pattern in the form of a service exchange was uncovered. Case studies are used to illustrate major aspects of the exchange. (Author/CT)

A study explored the holistic nature of reading failure from the perspective of those who have endured the emotional and intellectual burden of not being able to read. Reading failure is frequently viewed from a fragmented, reductionist perspective. Getting to know and understand the individual's perception of literacy failure is ignored in the…

Given the strong sense of passing time which seems to be wired into human beings, it is only natural that the Year 2000, or Y2K in contemporary jargon, should lead to serious speculation about the future. Reading and literacy, old skills relatively speaking, continue rightly to figure in those predictions (along with the technologically advanced…

The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) is a household survey conducted periodically by the Department of Education that evaluates the literacy skills of a sample of adults in the United Stages ages 16 and older. NAAL results are used to characterize adults literacy skills and to inform policy and programmatic decisions. The Committee on…

Describes right to read programs for illiterate and functionally illiterate adults in the state of Maine. (RB)

The concensus of opinions concerning current literacy programmes was that, in spite of the fact that communication skills (reading, writing, arithmetic) are sill viewed as important, there was an expressed need for subjects and educational materials and aids relevant to production in agriculture as well as in industry. (Author)

Techniques used to teach reading to a 12-year-old total nonreader are described in the case study. (KW)

Identification of the clientele of adult education programs will prevent difficulties which may arrive when individuals with varying degrees of literacy are combined under one learning program; findings indicate those for whom the programs are truly intended (the illiterate) drop out because of inferior feelings. (Author/JB)

Discusses the number of libraries participating in literacy education, the commitment of libraries to literacy education, some factors influencing libraries' participation in such programs, and the present posture of literacy education. Sixteen references are listed. (Author/LLS)

The author discusses the strengths and weaknesses of Barbara Lerner's "vouchers for literacy" plan presented in the same issue of "Kappan."

Discusses the work of Helen M. Robinson and William S. Gray that has influenced the author's own work in discovering causes of and preventing reading disability and in combating world illiteracy. (MKM)

Discusses the need for appropriate basic literacy materials, notes the value of student-produced materials, and describes British publications produced by students and tutors. (CHC)

Sixteen participants in adult literacy programs in Washington, D.C. were interviewed about their perceptions of the causes for their low literacy, the need for reading and writing skills in their daily lives, their attitudes toward the adult literacy program, and their reasons for staying in the program. (GC)