California's Workforce for the Year 2000: Improving Productivity by Expanding Opportunities for the Education and Training of Underserved Youth and Adults.

Overview & Synopsis

The California Workforce Literacy Task Force conducted studies and surveyed existing literature to determine the status of literacy and other basic skills in the state's work force. The results are reported with a series of recommendations for a broad-based state strategy to improve worker productivity through better educational opportunities. Ten areas of need are identified, and the task force findings and specific action recommendations are presented for each. The need areas include: (1) a master plan for the education and training of non-college-bound youth and adults; (2) adequate funding of the delivery system for adult literacy education and training; (3) incentives to increase workplace education and learning; (4) education and training in the public sector; (5) skills in English language and literacy as a priority for adult education and training; (6) use of technology to enhance adult learning; (7) work force education in the transition from school to work; (8) breaking the cycles of marginal literacy and marginal living; (9) professionalism and research-based knowledge in work force education and training; and (10) increased awareness about the literacy, education, and training needs of underserved youth and adults. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)