A study of two adult basic education centers compared 17 reluctant learners (early dropouts) with 20 persisters and found that, although reluctant learners value education, they have negative attitudes and experiences of schooling and drop out because of dissatisfaction with the lack of challenge and attention they receive. (SK)

Increased use of practitioner research in literacy education is opening new vistas for grassroots knowledge. Such research affords new possibilities for professional growth, an improved image of literacy, and the potential to reduce illiteracy to minimal levels. (JOW)

Health literacy is an area of practice and study that is expanding so quickly in the United States and Canada that it is difficult to keep up with the literature--not to mention the steady stream of conference notices. While this is an exciting new development for both adult education and the health professions, the history of adult literacy is…