Changing Skills for a Changing World: Recommendations for Adult Literacy Policy in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Occasional Paper Series.

This report summarizes issues facing New Zealand's modern adult literacy movement and places it in the context of the rapidly changing skill demands of the 21st century. Part I introduces political, economic, and social issues facing New Zealand. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the issues and structures that create the current climate. Part II provides a history of adult literacy in New Zealand. Chapter 2 defines literacy for the 21st century; identifies how literate New Zealanders are, and considers literacy needs by industry. Chapter 3 provides a brief history of New Zealand's literacy movement, describes emergence of workplace literacy, and discusses theoretical underpinnings Freirean and competency-based models. Chapter 4 addresses national leadership and provision of services. Four case studies are presented in a two-page profile with this basic information: type of program; cost; goal; types of services; work-related outcomes; number of students; student selection; structure; curriculum; learner profile; funding source; reason for literacy program; institutional profile; other factors that contribute to success; and student suggestions. A more detailed exploration follows of a series of questions on three themes: motivation, barriers, and benefits. Part III includes recommendations for a long-term, comprehensive, coordinated adult literacy strategy in Chapter 5, with implications for the United States in Chapter 6. Appendixes include the National Literacy Act: Public Law 102-73, and case study interview questions. (Contains 93 references, 7 tables, and 6 figures.) (YLB)