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The National Center on Adult Literacy (NCAL) at the University of Pennsylvania sponsors research on how to improve the literacy levels of those most in need, including workers, immigrants, parents, and the incarcerated. NCAL plans to conduct secondary analyses of the National Adult Literacy Survey on specific topics. For more information, call 215-898-2100.
The National Clearinghouse on Literacy Education (NCLE) is an ERIC adjunct clearinghouse that disseminates information and provides technical assistance on literacy education for limited-English-proficient (LEP) adults and out-of-school youth. Topics include English-as-a-second-language (ESL) literacy, tutor training, and workplace literacy. A special focus of NCLE is the training of trainers of volunteer tutors and others who provide literacy services. The Clearinghouse collaborates with NCAL and the ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education and provides technical assistance to the newly-established State Literacy Resource Centers in each state. Call 202-429-9292.
OERI's Library Literacy Program (Title VI, Library Services and Construction Act [LSCA]) makes grants totaling approximately $8.2 million annually to state and local public libraries to support a wide array of adult literacy projects. In addition to training approximately 14,000 volunteer tutors each year, projects promote literacy programs in the inner city and deliver services by book- mobiles and literacy vans; help employees in work-site literacy programs improve basic skills through computer-assisted technology; and teach the use of the library as an educational resource. Over 26,000 adults receive services through the Library Literacy Program every year. In addition, the state-administered LSCA Title I Public Library Services Program provides funds to public libraries to support literacy projects for both adults and children (see "Getting an Early Jump on Literacy" on page 5). In FY 93, total funding to the states for these literacy projects was $2.6 million. Call 202-219-1315 for information on LSCA Title VI. Call 202-219-1303 for information on LSCA Title I.
While these programs are formally identified as "adult literacy," OERI also contributes to the broader field of literacy education with support of research and other activities in areas such as basic skills, linguistics, cognition, and professional development.
Reaching the Goals, Goal 5, Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning (available for $2.75 from GPO, stock #065-000-00582-4, see HOW TO ORDER for ordering address) is one of a series of OERI publications on the six National Education Goals. In addition to adult literacy, the report focuses on associated issues including the transition from school to work, part-time learners, business involvement in education, and the outcomes of college programs. It presents results of an in-depth review of current research. It also notes areas where research is still needed.