This literacy program is suitable for adults and adolescent learners who may be functioning at different stages of literacy development, from the very lowest to a junior/senior high school level. For the lower levels, the emphasis is on developing reading, writing, spelling, and word recognition skills in an integrated manner, in fostering a critical awareness approach to reading and writing, and in emphasizing action as part of being literate. At the higher levels, the emphasis is on helping learners become critical participants in literacy development. The program is most suited for a Newfoundland and Labrador context and is flexible in that local materials (daily papers, song, etc.) can easily be incorporated. The program includes material from social studies, politics, economics, health, law, education, consumerism, and driver education. It may be used as a literacy program or as an option course at ABE Level Ill or in high school in evaluative comprehension, civic literacy and action, consumer studies, etc.

The program consists of:

1. Overview Book (60 pages): a description of the Program, the theoretical basis, how to effectively use, etc.
2. Learner Response Book (108 pages): reading selections, pictures, drawings, and session goals.
3. Instructor/Tutor Resource Guide (403 pages): detailed lesson plans for 90, 2 hour sessions, plus Word Study/Spelling activities, and Appendix with specific literacy and action plans, and evaluative measures, etc.

For further information contact: Education, Learning, Literacy Network, P.O. Box 21131, St. John's, NF, A1A 5G6.

As you all probably know by now, the Literacy Development Council is alive and well, having survived the last round of budget cuts. However, there will be some administrative restructuring with the Council itself. Basically, all this means is that, as of May 31, both myself and Annie Bursey will no longer be employed by the Literacy Development Council. Both of us will be returning to our former places of employment at the Department of Education. Don and Cherry, in Grand Fails-Windsor and Tony in St. John's, will continue to provide support for the Council's programs.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for providing me the support and cooperation over the past two years, which helped make the job of Executive Director such a pleasant experience. I have enjoyed every minute of working with you and your organizations to help improve the literacy situation in our province. I commend all of you for the work you have accomplished during this time of restraint. Because of your willing ness to partner and cooperate, both you and the Council's achievements, have been tremendously magnified.

Before closing, I also want to thank the Council for having provided me the privilege of serving as their first Executive Director. This experience will, undoubtedly, prove to be the pinnacle of my 28-year career in literacy and adult education. I especially want to thank Don McDonald and Annie Bursey for their support, assistance and encouragement. Over the past two years their contribution, dedication, commitment and inspiration has made the job of Executive Director a most enjoyable experience. I also want to extend my thanks to Cherry, Tony and Reg for their support and contribution, both to myself and the Council.

My final appeal to all of you is to continue to show the same support and cooperation to the Council, the Council Members and staff that you have shown me over the past two years. Continue to support and cooperate, share and communicate, both amongst yourselves and your organization. Continue the quest for a more literate society for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Over the past two years, my wife Marlene and I have met some wonderful friends, and together we thank you for your hospitality and friendship and we will remember you always. On behalf of Marlene, myself and Annie, we thank all of you once again and we wish you every success for the future. Good Luck and Good-bye.