A look at one adult literacy class in India indicated that, despite apparently ideal educational conditions, students remained almost illiterate. The author comments on the results and speculates on the reasons. (MF)

Problems with public education and workforce preparation require a new partnership between business and education. Beyond education reforms already proposed, the following initiatives are urged: (1) greater parental involvement; (2) greater community involvement; (3) a fundamental restructuring of schools; (4) greater attention to early education…

Examines the social construction of literacy in China after the Communist revolution, demonstrating that official literacy ideologies contributed to the formation and reproduction of rural-urban differences in Chinese society. Suggests that the spread of literacy potentially can contribute to greater and more elaborate social divisions. (24…

Calls for a reassessment of the theory and practice of WAC programs in light of community college literacy problems. Compares the views of writing as a generic skill and a learning tool. Describes the Community College of Philadelphia's Writing within the Curriculum approach, which relies on writing groups. (DMM)

The education crisis is like TV violence; the worse it gets, the more inert we become. Truth is that Americans do not really care about education. The young are adept at "reading" adult hypocrisy. Commercialism rules. There is nothing in Homer, Virginia Woolf, Shakespeare, or teaching that will bring youngsters big bucks. Freedom and…

Discussion of the current state of affairs in the field of library and information science in China highlights the specialty of science and technology information science. The information education system and curriculum are described, illiteracy and attitudes toward information are discussed, and the need for continuing education is suggested.…

Examines the results of using the Phono-Graphix reading method, designed for students with reading disabilities, to teach nine prison inmates to read. Reports that inmates' average basic reading skills standard score gains were 17 points (more than one standard deviation) after 33 one-hour sessions, an average gain of 1.9 standard points per…

Describes the ALPHA series of publications, an action-research project on literacy and education. Explains that ALPHA began as a literacy movement in Quebec, Canada, and is now focused on alternative education, basic education, and sustainable communities throughout the world. (Contains 26 references.) (NB)

Pakistan is an underdeveloped country, full of socio-economic problems where a few oppress and exploit many. One of the most significant reasons, in this context, is the high illiteracy rate in the country. However, can high literacy rates guarantee peace, prosperity, and justice in any society? Clearly, not. There are several countries where the…

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), signed into law in 2002, bears certain resemblances to the war on terrorism in Iraq. Of course, NCLB will not directly produce any civilian casualties or smashed buildings, but the political strategies used to roll it out have been eerily similar to those used in the war against terrorism. Disturbing rates of…

The Dorchester County Even Start Program follows the model for the National Even Start Program and provides an interdisciplinary approach planned to develop a supportive environment conducive to the improved literacy of parents and their children. Participant families of the Even Start Program must consist of at least one parent who is 16 years of…

The transcript (translated into English) of a roundtable discussion of literacy among francophone women in Canada begins with the personal narrative of one women who gained literacy skills as an adult. The panel of three specialists in francophone women's literacy in Canada then look at the literacy rate among Canadian women, and the demand for…

A literacy needs assessment on an aboriginal island reserve in Canada was conducted to address courses to improve the literacy of adult aboriginal students. Fifty-one adults responded to the questionnaire relative to the need to initiate an adult education program. Questionnaire results indicated that secondary school upgrading courses in…

This report provides information on the characteristics and work patterns of United States agricultural workers performing seasonal agricultural services (SAS) during fiscal year 1990. SAS crops include the majority of nursery products, cash grains, field crops, and all fruits and vegetables. More than 2,000 personal interviews with SAS workers…

Intended for use by participants in the Ohio Preconference and the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIS), this background paper on one of the three major WHCLIS themes examines Ohio's literacy problem and reviews the state's current literacy programs and funding sources. Definitions of terms, a brief history of…