In addition to testing the reading skills of ABE learners, ARCS
researchers administered a lengthy questionnaire, so we can give you
more information about the people in Profile 1.
- Ninety-six (96) percent are Native Speakers of English (NSE).
- The average age is 28.
- The average number of grades completed is 10.1.
Summary of Self-Reported
Reading Problems
| Trouble With Reading, K-12 |
Trouble Learning to Read, K-3 |
Received Academic Help, K-12 |
| 27% |
21% |
| 43% of Profile 1 Members: |
| |
10% = Tutoring or Chapter 1 |
| |
18% = Special Classes |
| |
15% = Tutoring or Chapter 1 AND Special Classes |
| |
43% = TOTAL |
|
- Eighty-eight (88) percent have been attending adult education classes
for less than a year.
- Most are in adult education classes just long enough to brush up
on their skills in preparation for the GED exam or to qualify for
a high school equivalency certificate.
- Learners in Profile 1 cite "more education" and "getting a better
job" as their reasons for taking adult education classes. Most (63%)
plan to continue their education at area colleges.
Learners in Profile 1 are mostly NSE who have sufficient reading
skills to enjoy reading materials of interest to them. Because most
are headed for further education, either community college or trade
schools, they will benefit from instruction in comprehension strategies,
vocabulary acquisition, and continued attention to decoding/encoding
(spelling) skills.