THE PURPOSE OF THIS BULLETIN was to create an awareness of workplace literacy for the literacy community in Ontario. We wanted to provide an overview of the kinds of activities that were taking place across Canada in the areas of research and practice.

The bulletin was a small idea that grew. Before we knew it, we had doubled the number of contributors that we had originally planned for, and had gone for an international perspective! Our intention in expanding the bulletin was to provide those interested in workplace literacy with the bigger picture, to spark ideas and imaginative leaps, and to make connections across oceans.

In this bulletin, we have focused on three areas:

1. the status of workplace literacy in Canada, the UK, and the USA;

2. research studies and methods that examine different aspects of workplace literacy; and

3. innovative programs and materials that have contributed to the depth and breadth of the field.

Each section of the bulletin offers ideas and practices that challenge assumptions, reflections on theory and practice, and future directions.

Articles vary in their scope and their length. Longer articles survey the field in a country, state or sector or offer a detailed account of a research study. Shorter articles focus the lens on a specific program, materials development project or smaller scale study.

We hope that the variety of initiatives in this bulletin provides you with food for thought, new perspectives, and more questions about the nature of workplace literacy.

Sue Folinsbee
Acting Co-Executive Director
Ontario Literacy Coalition

August 2003