Table of Contents

Cover Page / Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1 - Adult Illiteracy in Canada
Towards an Understanding of the Issue
Introduction
Literacy and Educational Attainment
From Southam to IALS: Redefining Literacy
Educational Attainment: Assessing Canada’s Gains
The Eclipsing of Undereducation as a Public Issue
Addressing Adult Illiteracy: Future Directions
Conclusion

Chapter 2 - Researching Adult Basic Education
A Voice for Students and Teachers, A Social Policy
‘Reality Check’
Introduction
Principles of the Research Design
The Local Research Component
The General Research Component
Linking the Research Components
Enabling the Researchers to Work as Teams
Engaging Students in the Research
Gauging the Relative Value of Each Research Component
Conclusion

Chapter 3 - A ‘Window’ on the Practice of Adult Basic Education
The Local Research Sites: Four Canadian Examples
Introduction
Description of the Local Research Sites
Conclusion

Chapter 4 - Aspiring for More
Evidence from the Local Research Projects:
The Students and Their Goals
Introduction
The Survey
The Student Sample
Students’ Educational and Employment Goals:
Aspiring for More
Conclusion