Matching Literacy Testing with Social Policy: What are the Alternatives?

The Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services now administer a variety of social programs that incorporate literacy training. Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), JOBS, workplace literacy, family literacy, library literacy, and correctional institution education are the primary examples of these programs, but others exist that either provide literacy instruction directly or that incorporate literacy as a component of another social service. Central to the proper administration of these programs is appropriate information on the needs and characteristics of the clients for these services, the quality of services actually delivered, and the impact of the services upon the individuals who receive them. Literacy tests are one of the most widely used (and controversial) means through which information on all three of these topics is obtained. Although tests are not and Literacy tests are one of the most widely used (and controversial) means through which information on clients is obtained.