FREE & INEXPENSIVE

The following two new publications from the National Workforce Assistance Collaborative are available:

Workplace Literacy Interview Guide: Judging the Quality and Effectiveness of Workplace Literacy Providers. This interview guide can be used to determine whether a workplace literacy provider has the skills to develop and deliver a successful workplace literacy program. It can help business people and labor representatives to interview prospective workplace literacy providers such as community colleges or universities, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting firms and assess their capabilities.

Workplace Literacy Product Checklist This check list can be used to determine whether a particular workplace literacy product follows best practice and will meet the needs of a firm and its employees. It also helps evaluate what parts of a workplace literacy program a firm is prepared to undertake in order to successfully integrate the literacy product into company practices.

Both publications can be purchased for $4.00 each (plus shipping and handling) through the National Alliance of Business, Distribution, P.O. Box 501, Annapolis Junction, MD 20702. (800) 787-7788.

Studying: A Key to Success ... Ways Parents Can Help, This is a brochure for parents that offers tips on helping youngsters study effectively. The brochure offers ways of encouraging the study habit, tips on making the home a good place for studying, and a brief overview of some study methods. To obtain a free copy, send a #10 self addressed, stamped envelope to: Studying Brochure, International Reading Association, 800 Barksdale Rd., P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 197148139.

The GED Diploma This booklet that includes many sample questions for the General Educational Development (GED) Tests, is available free of charge.
The booklet contains the following information:

• questions that test skills in each of the five sections
• eligibility requirements for the GED
• how to prepare yourself to take the GED
• content descriptions of the test and sample questions
• test-taking strategies for each of the five sections of the GED tests
• how the GED tests are scored
• a list of telephone numbers by state you can call to get more information about the GED tests.

To order your free copy of the GED Diploma (Item 600A) write to the Consumer Information Center, Dept. 600A, Pueblo, CO 81009.

The following new ERIC Digests from the National Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education are now available:

• Teaching Multilevel Adult ESL Classes
• Outreach and Retention in Adult ESL Literacy Programs
• Teaching Low-Level Adult ESL Learners
• ESL Instruction for Learning-Disabled Adults
• Collaboration in Adult ESL and Family Literacy Education
• Valuing Diversity in the Multicultural Classroom
• Estimating Literacy in the Multilingual United States
• Adult Literacy Practitioners as Researchers
• Closed Captioned TV for ESL Literacy Education

For a free copy of any of these ERIC Digests, write to: Product Orders, NCLE, 1118 22nd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. Fax (202) 659-5641.

Employers, Families, and Education: Promoting Family Involvement in Learning This report focuses on the role of businesses and employers in helping parents and family members be more involved in children's learning. This report highlights ways businesses can become active partners and profiles the work of several companies and organizations. For copies of this publication, call (800) USA-LEARN.

Literacy and Machines: An Overview of the Use of Technology in Adult Literacy Programs. This report discusses the need for technology in adult literacy, how to get equipment, and how to use the equipment within the adult literacy curriculum. The report also includes an extensive bibliography and a list of software products.

Purchase from NCAL: $9.00 Phone: (215) 898-2100

Literacy and Development: Rationales, Assessment, and Innovation This study addresses the need for improved assessment and evaluation of students and programs as a whole.

Purchase from NCAL: $8.00 Phone: (215) 898-2100

The following is a selected list of newsletters that often include articles about literacy education for limited-English-proficient adult learners and ESL language topics:

1. Information Update
   This quarterly publication covers topics such as classroom instruction, alternative assessment, and students' writing in adult literacy programs.
   Contact: (212) 267-5309
   Subscription: Free upon request

2. Literacy Advance
   This newsletter features articles on national literacy issues, funding sources, and international programs.
   Contact: (315) 422-9121
   Subscription: $ 5 annual membership

3. Northwest Report
   Topics covered in this monthly newsletter include adult education, rural and urban education, at-risk youth and dropouts, and Native American and Pacific education. It also contains information on instructional software and other resources.
   Contact: (503) 275-9500
   Subscription: Free upon request

4. Reading Today
   This bimonthly newsletter is published by the International Reading Association and is a comprehensive publication on all aspects of reading for educators at all levels. It contains national and international reading and literacy news and covers topics of interest to administrators, parents, teachers, and learners.
   Contact: (302) 731-1600
   Subscription: $30 annual membership