I would like to thank the following organizations for supporting the development of this research project: The Coalition For Brandon Literacy and Continuing Education (Manitoba Education And Training), and The National Literacy Secretariat (Human Resources Development Canada).

In particular, I wish to acknowledge the members of my Advisory Committee - Diane Eastman, Eileen Cable, Sylvia Provenski, Marie Matheson, and Lauren Gauletz - who weathered the many storms and adjusted their own busy schedules to assist me with the project along the way. Thanks also to Dr. Debbie D'Amico of New York City and Dr. Barbara Gfellner of Brandon University who provided excellent advice throughout the project. My research assistant, Caroline Slimmon, spent many hours transcribing the audio tapes, and also helped to analyse the focus group results. Her work was invaluable.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge all the literacy instructors, students, and other individuals who participated in focus groups or personal interviews. Thank you all for sharing your words.

Janet Smith

Brandon, Manitoba
August, 1997