What can ALLN policymakers learn from policy developments in other countries? A review of adult basic skills initiatives in eight countries

A literature review of international adult literacy policies

This report summarises research on adult literacy policies and initiatives in a number of developed countries since 1990.

In addition to highlighting the impacts of literacy and literacy initiatives on wider policy agendas, including health, employment and active citizenship, the report identifies specific policy developments and interventions aimed at people with basic skill needs.

Research on the objectives and implementation of national basic skills policies is reviewed, and key national and cross-cutting themes are discussed.  Among these themes are: engagement, participation and persistence; employability; workplace literacy; embedding; civic engagement and social cohesion; course length; teachers/tutors; family literacy; human and social capital; and evidence on the economic benefits of adult literacy.

Commissioned by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) in Ireland to inform policy-making in that country, this report will provide useful policy messages and research summaries for other developed nations.