Adult Basic Education (ABE) has been seen as a means to offer adults with low educational levels further opportunities to obtain the skills they did not previously acquire. The provision of that education has been regarded by adult educators as a fundamental human right. 'The underlying arguments are linked to the ideals of social equity and justice. While ABE may lead to improved employability and enhanced economic standing for many of those enrolled in its programs, arguments are also made for its role in developing the self-confidence, self-respect and enhanced interpersonal skills within its clients. These qualitative aspects are seen as valid indicators of 'success' by practitioners. ABE cannot be judged by the number of 'graduates', but rather by the people it has served.

The concern is, however, why so comparatively few people enter ABE programs, especially at the lower literacy (or Fundamental) levels. Studies and commentators on ABE have estimated that only one percent to six percent of the target population enrol in programs. (Calamai, 1987; Hautecoeur, 1989; Mezirow et al, 1975; Quigley, 1990.) If adult educators hope to reach this population, we need to know more about the reasons for non-participation in programs. A related problem for ABE practitioners is that of student attrition. Dropout rates have been quoted to be as high as 20 to 60 percent. Literacy learners often leave programs without giving any explanation, so organizers and instructors are left to wonder whether it is the program that is at fault or whether there were other extenuating circumstances.

The aim of this project was to investigate the reasons behind these two perceived problems - nonparticipation and attrition - in the hope that the findings might inform practice and suggest some new strategies to deal with these issues.

This report will: review the literature on these related topics; outline the procedures followed by the writer to obtain some answers to the problems in the British Columbian context; present the findings; and discuss the results.