CHAPTER VII


 TECHNIQUES FOR THE INTRODUCTORY STAGE



 People at the introductory stage of adult literacy are often
suspicious of the motives of those who want to help them. They tend
to live in sub-cultures on the fringe of the Great Society. Some
have had no formal contact with school and most of those who have had
some formal education have found it a painful experience. Many are
ashamed to admit they cannot read and they have learned numerous ways
of hiding their illiteracy. Sometimes,in order to hold their jobs,
they have to pretend to be able to read. Many an employer has workers
who are completely illiterate; but these illiterates are unknown to
him! Educators involved in adult basic education must be concerned
with both the identification of the illiterate and with his recruit-
ment for classes.

 There are many sources of help in locating and recruiting
students at the introductory stage. Teachers will help in identify-
ing illiterate parents. Health and welfare agencies always cooperate
in both the identification and recruitment of students. Mass media
such as radio and television generally will provide publicity, and
adult students already in class will provide leads to others in need
of help. A master plan involving many people should be drawn up. The
plan should involve people who know the poverty community and who have
personal contacts within it.

 To do an effective job of recruitment, teachers must know their
community. A few of the things they should know are: (1) The total
population and the populations of ethnic groups. (2) The number of
unemployed and the reasons for the unemployment. (3) The number and
average size of families with an income of less than $3000. (4) The
industries in the community. (5) The economic outlook for the
community. (6) The community power structure. (7) The community
poverty pockets. (8) The public health and welfare services. (9)
The crime rate and the types of criminal acts most frequently commit-
ted. (10) The government agencies and services. (11) The social,
professional, and occupational groups. (12) The religious life of the
community. (13) The recreational facilities of the community. There
are of course other aspects which should be known.

 There are sources of information about most aspects of most
 communities. Information on housing can be obtained from the U. S.
 Census of Housing and from the City Building Inspector. Information
 about community health and welfare services can be obtained from the
 County Health Department and public welfare workers. Other sources
 of information about the community include: local newspaper files,
 local chamber of commerce, police department, City Manager's Office,


-22-