Although our work is not complete as yet, it is safe to conclude that virtually every study yet conducted is seriously flawed in respect to outcome data. Furthermore, we lack standards that can be used to assess the practical significance of gains noted. Aside from some of the welfare studies that included an adult literacy component, none of the studies have adequate control groups. Thus, even when gains are found, it is not possible to infer that adult literacy caused them in most cases. Another issue is related to what we can reasonably expect adult literacy to accomplish in respect to outcomes.
Adult literacy is an educational program.
It seems to me that a reasonable approach to outcomes should start with a focus on the direct outcomes of adult literacy education. But to that we must first define what adult literacy education is and to reach some sort on consensus on what we expect learners to learn. Perhaps because we have had so much difficulty doing that, there has been a tendency to focus on global outcomes. If anyone has specific questions, we would be happy to share what we know at this point. 10 Seminary Pl.