The results of surveys on adult basic education (ABE) student characteristics and program goals are presented in this digest along with recommendations on career development in ABE. Topics include: (1) results of a survey of directors of ABE projects which ranked the importance of 10 goals of ABE (Young and others 1980); (2) statistics from a survey on the characteristics of ABE students (Young and others 1980); (3) a description of the characteristics of illiterate adults (Ulmer and Dorland 1981); (4) a discussion of the career development needs of ABE students; (5) seven suggested goals for ABE career development programs (Deems 1983); (6) a list of 14 content areas which need to be addressed in order to achieve those goals; and (7) brief recommendations on how ABE career development programs should be organized including delivery models, staff qualifications, physical facilities, instructional materials, consultants, and follow-up services. A three-item bibliography of references which are available from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system is included. (DC)