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Starting Over: Characteristics of Adult Literacy Learners.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Starting Over: Characteristics of Adult Literacy Learners.
Language: English
Authors: Smith-Burke, M. Trika, Literacy Assistance Center, New York, NY.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 112
Publication Date: 1987
Sponsoring Agency: New York City Office of the Mayor, NY.
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Access to Education, Adult Basic Education, Adult Literacy, Adult Reading Programs, Adult Students, Demography, Dropout Characteristics, Literacy Education, Student Characteristics, Student Motivation
Geographic Terms: New York (New York)
Abstract: A study examined the characteristics of those individuals who participate in New York City's adult literacy programs. Interviews were conducted with 32 native-born U.S. citizens (native speakers of English) who had enrolled in a literacy program for the first time and had been reading somewhere up to the 4.9 grade level at the time they entered their literacy program. Nine (eight females and one male) first heard about their literacy program through a radio or television advertisement. Five each heard about literacy programming from friends, family, and other agencies. Seventeen of the 32 people interviewed reported that they had to wait before beginning their programs, with 3 persons waiting between 4 and 6 months. The top five reasons/goals given for attending a literacy program (in order of decreasing frequency) were to pass the General Educational Development Tests, obtain job training, undergo self-improvement, achieve independence, receive social support, and end embarrassment. The major factors that positively affected attendance were family support, perceived progress, heightened self-esteem, and good teachers. All of the respondents had dropped out of school; 27 had at least one parent from a southern state; and 23 were currently unemployed. (A bibliography and the interview form with instructions for administering it are appended.) (MN)
Entry Date: 1989
Accession Number: ED302723
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A study examined the characteristics of those individuals who participate in New York City's adult literacy programs. Interviews were conducted with 32 native-born U.S. citizens (native speakers of English) who had enrolled in a literacy program for the first time and had been reading somewhere up to the 4.9 grade level at the time they entered their literacy program. Nine (eight females and one male) first heard about their literacy program through a radio or television advertisement. Five each heard about literacy programming from friends, family, and other agencies. Seventeen of the 32 people interviewed reported that they had to wait before beginning their programs, with 3 persons waiting between 4 and 6 months. The top five reasons/goals given for attending a literacy program (in order of decreasing frequency) were to pass the General Educational Development Tests, obtain job training, undergo self-improvement, achieve independence, receive social support, and end embarrassment. The major factors that positively affected attendance were family support, perceived progress, heightened self-esteem, and good teachers. All of the respondents had dropped out of school; 27 had at least one parent from a southern state; and 23 were currently unemployed. (A bibliography and the interview form with instructions for administering it are appended.) (MN)