Focuses on the book "Civic Illiteracy and Education: The Battle for the Hearts and Minds of American Youth" (John Marciano) and Marciano's stated views. Explains that the book offers a starting point for addressing the state of civic education beyond the information gleaned from test scores. (CMK)

The Iraqi National Literacy Campaign is described. Early efforts and reform actions taken since 1968 by the Baath Socialist Party are covered. Special attention is given to administrative structures involved. Reasons for the relative success of the program are highlighted. (TJH)

Finds that the occupational segregation of foreign-born Whites in the 1870s decreased in cities with growing numbers of illiterate Blacks and total Blacks, whereas occupational segregation increased in cities with growing numbers of total foreigners. Contains 60 references. (SV)

Investigates factors in the development and implementation of two national literacy campaigns in the early 1970s, conducted by the British Broadcasting Corporation and the British Association of Settlements. Identifies the influence upon adult literacy today of issues arising in the campaigns: definition of literacy, arbitrary estimates of…

Asserts that illiteracy is a major concern in today's information-centered society and business. States that industry has undertaken development of its own remedial programs but that costs have caused a reappraisal of these programs. Says that many programs now view compressed speech as a possible option. (PRA)

Patients must be able to understand oral and written instructions and health care materials. Patients with low literacy levels need educational programs and materials designed to teach them how to manage their health needs. (SK)

Among Chicano and Mexican-born residents of five states, surveyed in 1979, inclusion of Spanish literacy produced a higher literacy rate than is generally cited for this population. Biliteracy and Spanish literacy were associated with educational achievement, family income, employment, and political participation. Associations with gender, age,…

As a legacy of British colonial rule, Sierra Leone's education system gives half of its budget to higher education, heavily benefits the upper and middle classes and serves the poor and rural populations badly. The illiteracy rate is 85%. Policy recommendations are outlined for resource allocation and major restructuring of the education system.…

Examines differences between autonomous and ideological approaches to literacy, especially in terms of teacher/student relationships. Discusses how adult students at a local community literacy center resisted the traditional relationship with classroom authority (by limiting the author's authority as a teacher, in part claiming it for themselves)…

Describes a functional literacy program successfully carried out in a very remote district in the mountains of Nepal. Describes the program's successes in increasing literacy, self-confidence, community awareness, and social awareness among Nepali women. Discusses keys to this success. (SR)

In this article, I examine Lynn Truss's book of punctuation rules and faux pas, "Eats, Shoots & Leaves," contemplating the complex relationships among class, academics, and language snobbery. I don't refute Truss's lessons on punctuation. Instead, I use her text as a jumping-off point for discussion of the social issues embedded in her guide and…

Background: Africa is in an orphan-care crisis. In Zimbabwe, where one-fourth of adults are HIV-positive and one-fifth of children are orphans, AIDS and economic decline are straining society's ability to care for orphans within their extended families. Lack of stable care is putting thousands of children at heightened risk of malnourishment,…

This publication presents the five building blocks of the American Bar Association's (ABA's) Special Committee on Law and Literacy's Three Year Advancement of Justice Plan. The first building block is the statement of shared values and beliefs that outlines why literacy is important to the association, profession, justice systems, and country.…

As part of an ongoing assessment on adult literacy and the new technologies, this study profiled the similarities and differences among Appalachian and Californian adults with low literacy skills. Two teams of researchers each profiled six adults with low literacy skills. The study population was selected so as to reflect a diverse mix of ages,…

Designed to help communities in preliterate societies break the barrier of illiteracy, this book presents a simple basic foundation for literacy instruction that can be handled by local people with little experience. The book explains each step with great detail. The four chapters are as follows: (1) "Local Language Literacy and Developing…