This monograph examines adult education issues in Minnesota, such as the proper role of the Federal Government, institutions of higher education, the business sector, the non-profit sector, labor unions, the public schools and community education, teachers, public school administrators, and learners in the fight against adult illiteracy in the workplace; and accountability for the learning that occurs. Chapter 1 of the monograph describes the current status of efforts to improve the literacy level of welfare recipients. This chapter also addresses the difficulties faced by the long-term structurally unemployed. Chapter 2 examines the role of literacy training in helping displaced workers in becoming reemployed and in helping the underemployed to improve their job status. Chapter 3 looks at the mechanics of using current literacy tests as criteria for hiring and promotion as well as the legal implications of having a work force unable to read crucial product safety and warning information. The final chapter reviews briefly the roles of government, education, the private sector, and the individual in improving the literacy level in the state. A brief review of the programs currently available to adults in need of literacy education is also included. (20 references) (KC)