This guide lays out the pedagogical and theoretical foundations of a culturally inclusive, vertical basic skills curriculum for adults testing at the 0-8 grade levels. Chapter 1 discusses the basis for the development of this curriculum: a sound basic skills adult curriculum is built upon a psychosocial examination of individual learners in relationship to the immediate and larger society in which they live and the effect of this relationship on the formation of their social identity and intellectual and academic development. Chapter 2 discusses factors that affect learning in diverse populations and then addresses the family life and traditions of specific ethnic groups of adult learners and their relationship to education. Chapter 3 presents a theoretical framework for cultural inclusiveness and relevance. The multicultural education model is highlighted. Chapter 4 discusses pedagogical practice. The four-part lessons described are designed to encourage creative expressiveness, critical thinking, and multicultural interaction. Chapter 5 offers approaches to teaching language, mathematics, and cultural studies. Chapter 6 contains a listing of generative themes that can be used to organize instructional lessons and the more specific course outlines for language and reading courses designed to encompass an expanded core curriculum. Appendixes include three bibliographies: 147 items on theory and pedagogy, 36 items on diversity and learning, and 130 items on multicultural mathematics teaching. (YLB)