Given the endemic culture wars of our field, the invariable stalemates AND the call for An Action Agenda for Literacy, perhaps now is the time to take on this work before throwing in the towel. The justification for such work is clearly built into the action agenda, which is taking a long term approach to the seemingly intractable problems that perplex our field. It was gratifying to see the inclusion of lifelong learning which includes social roles, but extend beyond them. Catherine King has eloquently written of the importance of the civic democratic tradition as a foundational value for adult basic education on these airwaves. I echo that refrain.
All programs have a systematic approach to quality improvement.
3-33 for a fuller description of oral inquiries and pp. 150-169 fro examples. Preferably someone would moderate this discussion. Obviously there is much more in An Action Agenda for Literacy than adult literacy instruction and those who are passionate for the other areas might take the initiative and move the process forward in the areas that interest them most. However, that which is discussed above represents one of the key foundational pieces to the effort.