Of those who were contacted in the final telephone survey sample, the presence of a goal-orientation is well marked (13 out of 19 had a specific educational or career goal). The "magic" of having a Grade 12 is evident. Although the sample is very small, it tends to follow the findings of the U.S. studies which say that the GED is a major motivator for participation in ABE. In the previous college study, a much higher number of people tried to register but were unsuccessful. In this survey, only one person was in this category and the reason given was the waitlist. This was only one factor of several in the previous study. However, the writer was told that there is a long waitlist for BASD classes. As the literacy issue receives more publicity, the problem of waitlists is likely to be exacerbated, especially in the light of the finding that 15 of the 19 in the survey sample said they would try to register at the college again -four of them in 1990. The difference between the intention to do so and actually doing so, however, has already been noted (chapter 11).

For those who did not try to register, work-related reasons were most often quoted. This finding is similar to the one in the previous college study. However, this survey differs from the previous one in the higher place given to financial reasons for not registering. One could consider transportation as a financial element as well - if people were really motivated and could afford a car, then presumably transportation would disappear as a barrier per se. As it is, for people living in the outlying areas of the Greater Victoria Region - the Western Communities, or the Saanich Peninsula, the bus services are too infrequent too complicated and time-consuming to get to the city campuses on a regular daily basis. Comments on transportation and health did not appear to surface in the previous study.

It would seem that there are always a few people for whom the testing procedures are frightening or off-putting. The timed conditions and the confusion over levels were noted in this survey. In the previous study there were also quotes such as "test unfair", or "placement level confusing" from one or two persons. We know that many low-literate adults have low self-esteem and many anxieties already. For some adults, a testing procedure in a room with other people would be a major ordeal. Perhaps some kind of mediator or peer counsellor is required.

In this survey, the nonregistrant population was looked upon as a segment of the nonparticipant population. However, their reasons for not registering parallel many given by people who have withdrawn from programs. This problem of attrition will be examined next.