Public perception of adults with developmental disabilities realizing learning gains often remains illusive. This paper highlights key findings in achievement in basic skills for adults with mental retardation on a functional assessment in a life skills context for three program years (2003-2006). In this study the time period between the pre- and post-test was approximately one year. The study reports overall learning gains for each of the three program years as well as by classification of mental retardation. In addition, the study reports learning gains for adults remaining in their programs across all three program years. The instrument used to measure achievement in basic skills was the CASAS POWER(Providing Options for the Workplace, Education, and Rehabilitation) assessment, a standardized observation-based assessment instrument for adults with developmental disabilities. The study finds that learners at all levels of mental retardation are achieving learning gains. Those with moderate and mild mental retardation achieve higher gains compared to those with severe mental retardation. These learners continue to show gains across multiple program years. (Contains 16 tables and 2 figures.)