Planning Literacy and Language Services
for Texas' Limited English Proficient Workers:
The Devil is in the Details

A comprehensive resource for planning and implementing work-related basic skills programs, this manual provides a detailed, step-by-step process for establishing quality programs. It focuses on strengthening providers' skills in determining employers' needs as well as those of potential or incumbent employees. The manual assists the user in identifying literacy, math, language and communications, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in the work place.

Survey of employers' needs can be completed informally and in a rather short period of time, provided a detailed job task analysis is not required. Education/training service provider must have access to company materials, staff, and the work setting.

A workbook and CD-ROM that provides education service providers and instructors with a training package focusing on critical workplace issues. While preparation for successful instructional delivery in the workplace is the predominant objective of this product, it includes a section designed to assist service providers (and their instructors) in assessing the needs of the workplace. The integration of text with CD-ROM enables staff to work through the training as a group or individually, with facilitation by a staff development specialist.

Assumes that users are new to workplace education and leaves nothing to chance. Begins by defining workplace literacy and providing a solid, consistent basis for adult learning, partnerships, and work-related instruction. Training of providers and instructors is accomplished through discussion, assigned readings, critical thinking and problem-posing activities, application, and additional resources. Inexpensive enough to be made available to every education service provider and instructor. Excellent cross-training tool for use with other workforce development stakeholders. Spiral-bound and an excellent desk reference. Provides a checklist for a tour of the workplace as well as a review of work-related printed materials.

Chapter 3 is the only section devoted to workforce needs assessment but is quite detailed in nature. Not focused on limited English proficiency and vocational training, but easily adapted in the hands of a professional development specialist with ESL experience.

This kit includes the tools needed to promote and develop a workplace literacy/basic skills education program. In addition to The Workbook for Program Developers and Working Smarter, a video and decision makers' guide, the kit includes a Productivity Check-up to assess and quantify indicators of low literacy in the workplace. Designed for human resource development and management professionals, this step-by-step package provides techniques on tailoring literacy programs to meet the specific needs of a company.

Strong on business interests but rather weak presentation of instructional approaches and methods. Would need to be accompanied by training and tailored to specific needs of targeted communities.

1-800-445-6991 (fax). $200.00

A valuable resource for employers developing in-house programs or who are working with outside vendors or education providers to meet the needs of employees. Also appropriate for use by training managers, technical trainers and education providers, and program developers.

WLS is designed to provide a complete solution for upgrading the critical skills employees need in the workplace. It helps education and training providers to identify specific basic skills required for jobs, assess individual and group basic skills ability levels, and design a customized program to meet identified goals of individual learners and the workplace as a whole.

WLS documents basic skills and levels required for each job. An ESL Appraisal is available as well as employability tests for monitoring progress in employment-related reading and math skills development.

The Workplace Analysis Process identifies basic skills and skill levels required for employees to perform specific worksite tasks. Helps identify training gaps and learning needs.

The Workplace Analysis Process requires the use of numerous analysis forms, all developed and provided by CASAS. Meets even the most challenging documentation needs.

CASAS itself provides training for users; training is designed to enable stakeholders to identify needs, design instruction, and assess/evaluate progress and outcomes. Multiple instruments responsive to diverse needs of employers, employees, and service providers. Database or printed guide allows educators to locate appropriate competency-based instructional materials for specific education and training, including instructional texts, videos, and software programs - all correlated to CASAS competencies. Option of conducting comprehensive job task analyses as well as workplace literacy analyses/job profile. The most comprehensive system around that can be tailored to meet the needs of the targeted population. Already successfully used by Temple College, city of Austin, and the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board in El Paso.

Training by CASAS is required before purchase is allowed. Cost may be prohibitive for some programs without additional funding. The workplace analysis, while thorough, requires a significant time commitment from administrators, employers, and employees; staffing may be an issue. Every kind of product and support imaginable is available, for a price.

Cost comparable to CASAS.

WORK KEYS is a nationally recognized system developed in consultation with employers, educators, and experts in employment and training requirements. It identifies generic employability skills crucial to effective performance in most jobs. Job profiling is comprehensive and gets much more specific so that instruction can be planned to respond to very specific education and training needs. Components are linked together with management information and reporting services.

Designed for adult education professionals who want to develop or strengthen their programs in workplace education.

Provides guidelines for surveying employers' labor force needs and assessing workers' skills and education/training needs. Responsive to SCANS and the O*NET (Occupational Information Network). Very much a desk reference, user- friendly guide

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Intended to provide assistance for family literacy and adult education organizations exploring ways in which work and learning can be integrated in their educational programs. Helps identify the support needed from employers, training organizations, social services, and other partners. Can also be used to identify strategies for sustaining work-related program activities.