Equipped For The Future

Provides 16 standards for what adults need to know and be able to do in the 21st century. Standard 1: Read with Understanding -- Standard 2: Convey ideas in Writing -- Standard 3: Speak so Others can understand -- Standard 4: Listen Actively -- Standard 5: Observe Critically -- Standard 6: Use Math to Solve Problems and Communicate -- Standard 7: Solve Problems and Make Decisions -- Standard 8: Plan -- Standard 9: Cooperate with Others -- Standard 10: Advocate and Influence -- Standard 11: Resolve Conflict and Negotiate -- Standard 12: Guide Others -- Standard 13: Take Responsibility for Learning -- Standard 14: Reflect and Evaluate -- Standard 15: Learn Through Research -- Standard 16: Use Information and Communications Technology.

"Equipped for the Future" ("EFF") Standards have been developed to answer a complex question: What do adults need to know and be able to do in order to carry out their roles and responsibilities as workers, parents and family members, and citizens and community members? It is widely recognized that the demands of adult life changed dramatically in the last quarter of the 20th Century. In order to carry out daily responsibilities at home, in the community, and in the work-place, adults must now read critically, sifting through vast amounts of information before they can make decisions that affect the well-being of families, neighborhoods, and ultimately, this country. Research to identify the "EFF" Standards began by looking at these changes in what it takes to negotiate successfully the complexities of contemporary life. This paper discusses what the "EFF" Standards are, what the "EFF" can provide the workforce development system, and how these standards fit with SCANS (Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) competencies and foundation skills.

A publication of the Nat. Institute for Literacy. The Equipped for the Future Framework (EFF) & Standards presented in this book are the results of 6 years of effort by hundreds of people nationwide to create a working consensus on what the goals of teaching & learning should be. Sections include: a definition of adult literacy for the 21st Century; building the Equipped for the Future Framework; the EFF Standards & how they work; teaching & learning with the EFF Framework; & a starting point for standards-based system reform. Appendices include: the EFF Framework & Content Standards; role maps; common activities matrix; documentation templates; EFF development partners; Equipped for the Future Team, 1999-1000; & for more information on EFF.