E. D. Hirsch in his book "Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know" sees gaps in common cultural information as the leading cause of illiteracy. Hirsch compiles nearly 5,000 facts and figures that represent what literate Americans need to know. (MLW)

Results of two experiments investigating phonological skills of illiterate, unschooled adults and formerly illiterate, unschooled adults from shantytowns in Portugal suggest that learning to read, though not strictly necessary, plays a decisive role in the development of the ability of many individuals to focus on phonological length of…

Noting that the Reagan Administration has slashed education aid 16 percent and that the next President will inherit a fiscal mess, Dukakis plans to become the nation's number-one advocate for educational opportunity, good teaching, and adult literacy. He sets forth numerous plans, including a national teachers corps, a college opportunity fund,…

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)

Assesses the scope of the nation's illiteracy problem. Describes a study of community college libraries' involvement in literacy education. Relates 31 library directors' survey responses regarding illiteracy as a community problem; the nature of college- and community-based literacy programs; and the relationship of libraries to these programs.…

Reviews forecasts about demographics and the labor force in the year 2000, predicting a skill shortage rather than a labor shortage, with more unqualified people competing for the very few low-skilled jobs. Underscores education's role in reducing functional illiteracy, dropout rates, and youth unemployment. (DMM)

This study examined intake records from 114 students enrolled in literacy training. Several variables obtained at intake were found to be related to persistence. Dropouts tended to (1) be young and Hispanic, (2) not be seeking high school equivalency certification, (3) be unemployed but available for work, and (4) have other illiterate family…

Review of developments in children and young adult library services since 1979 discusses three factors that complicate methods used to combat illiteracy problem: population growth, language, and undeveloped readership. Countries studied are Libya, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines,…

In Canadian society there are people who are totally illiterate, and they are all the more conscious of their illiteracy as a personal weakness because most of the population is literate. Literacy teaching and practices in Canada are discussed. Illiteracy in Canada and in the third world is also compared. (RM)

Discusses illiteracy in social structural terms, that is, as a predictable consequence of the routine workings of basic institutions in a class-based society. Shows how, in this context, illiteracy can be seen as a "rational" achievement. (CMG)

Shares ideas for classroom activities based on use of the students' senses. The activities are especially helpful for use with students with no or minimal literacy skills. (EKN)

Discusses Unesco's attempts to promote equality of access to education for all individuals. Defines Unesco's educational priorities as quality of education, teacher training, and adaptation of educational systems to national needs. A review of Unesco's educational activities from 1946-1976 is presented. (Author/DB)

Discussion of illiteracy in Australia: (1) statistical evidence on the incidence of adult illiteracy, (2) explanations for illiteracy, and (3) possible solutions to combat illiteracy. (ABM)

At the United Nations Millennium Summit in September 2000, world leaders adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which set targets for reducing poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women by 20151. The need for additional development funding, if the MDGs are to be achieved by 2015, is…

This document offers an overview of the Houston READ Commission (HRC), a nonprofit urban literacy coalition created by the Mayor and City Council in the Greater Houston area. It describes how the coalition of community organizations first came together in 1988, in response to a survey's finding that there are over one million functionally…