The purpose of this study was to use a component of Everett Rogers' theory of diffusion of innovations to understand adult literacy instructors' perceptions of the consequences of adopting the Internet into their classrooms. This study provides information about the types of consequences they saw and their perceptions about the desirability,…

Using the database from the Pennsylvania statewide evaluation of family literacy programs, researchers studied types of participation in the adult education component engaged in by various subgroups of clientele. Adult education achievement (as measured by standardized tests) was related to the intensity of participation and less so to duration…

Adult basic education (ABE) is an ideal venue for developing health literacy skills. Literacy and numeracy assessments used in ABE were identified and the most common were examined for health components. Only the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) included health. The two most common health literacy assessments used in general…

Program managers in adult basic education (ABE) face unprecedented public demands for accountability and continuous improvement. This study explored how applying the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence influenced management practices in local ABE programs. Managers were motivated to ask provocative questions about their work…

This volume presents articles and information to support and improve literacy practices in schools, the community, and the workplace. Selected article titles are as follows: "Reaching Learners Where They Are" (Linda Shohet); "The Learners' Wall: Experiences in the Health Care System"; "In-Sites: A Study in Workforce Literacy: Some Preliminary…

Argues that adolescents have tacit understandings about television as a system of communication with specific values and purposes. Suggests that students' everyday, informal knowledge of popular media can be an informal resource for developing more of their critical and creative sensibilities and expressiveness. Offers strategies to help students…

Finds that children with special needs like the same kinds of books as other children and should be allowed to choose their own books for pleasure reading. Shows that, in addition to topic/subject matter, writing style, cover/illustrations, characters, and back-of-the-book summaries, these students also considered title, length of book, movie/TV…

Defines a range of visual impairments that affect some adolescents. Examines the currently available young adult literature with characters who have vision disabilities. Provides a list of questions and criteria for evaluating and selecting young adult books that feature such characters, and includes a 13-item annotated bibliography of such books.…

Describes a program called "Reaching Out the Write Way" that takes place in an adult basic education literacy program at a maximum-security state prison. Describes how this innovative and low-cost program teaches inmates (many of whom are fathers) both storybook writing and bookmaking. Notes the enthusiastic responses of inmates and their…

Describes a high school study skills program that uses technology as a tool for learning to teach skills and help students produce quality work for their subject area assignments. Describes how computer resources and software are integrated into study skills courses to teach writing and presentation skills, research skills, basic skills, thinking…

Argues that reading and discussing novels in which females meet challenges can help adolescents examine critical issues girls face, and can help to counteract the dangerous and significant losses of confidence, voice, and self-esteem suffered by adolescent girls. Summarizes 10 books that can engage girls in dialogue around these issues, and offers…

Looks at functions of literacy in a meeting intended for public presentation practice for front-line workers at a high-tech workplace. Examines social roles workers took on and how those roles recruited various uses of literacy. Notes how one employee commandeered this practice session to demonstrate how he had used literacy to resist authority…

Describes an in-school suspension program based on a literacy-enhancement model (rather than a punitive model). Describes how students used prewriting activities both as a cognitive activity and as a reflection tool for self-monitoring of behavior, often helping them work through problems and replace inappropriate behavior with appropriate…

Looks at online writing centers and their multiple relations to cyber spaces and physical places, as well as to institutional and cultural practices. Notes proliferation of online writing centers, hybrid relations of online and offline writing centers, relation of online writing centers to classrooms, transforming space and practice in online…

Argues that recent translations of works into Spanish are a great way to engage Spanish-speaking adolescents in the reading process. Offers brief descriptions of 16 such books that offer appeal for reluctant readers, accessible adventures, books about trendy subjects of interest to adolescents, and engrossing renditions of classics by world…