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Abstract:
This article presents three examples of efforts to help states to build more effective adult foundational education (AFE) systems: (1) state planning, coordination, and funding for adult literacy services; (2) state workplace education initiatives; and (3) state roles in Equipped for the Future. These occurred from the mid-1980s to early 2000s, a period of significant growth in interest and investment in AFE. The examples describe who was involved, what they did, resources they used, what they produced, and factors that supported or blocked their success. This article is based on a review of literature from this era, especially reports from national organizations covering those state initiatives. (A key source was the Business Council for Effective Literacy’s A Newsletter for the Business Community which from 1984 to 1993 reported on developments in the U.S. adult literacy field. This newsletter and many of the other sources cited in this article will be included in a new Archive of Special Collections on the COABE website.) The author concludes with actions that states might now take to build more relevant, effective, multipurpose AFE systems. This is particularly relevant now, when federal support is uncertain.