First, a seven-item survey instrument, developed by the OLRC Research Team, was mailed to 750 ARDB members. Mail responses were analyzed, and areas for exploration were identified. The second component consisted of on-site interviews with 28 ARDB members representing small, medium, and large service and manufacturing organizations. Twenty-eight organizations were interviewed by the OLRC Research Team. Further study needs to be conducted to determine why this is so.
Employers see low literacy levels as an isolated problem occurring mainly in low-skill occupations.
Math and communication skills are most frequently taught by those employers involved with basic skills education. For more information about this study, please contact Pat O'Connor or Nancy Padak.