Illiteracy is expanding world-wide, despite sophisticated teaching methods, heightened awareness of the importance of literacy, and the spread of computers and Internet usage. The population of non-readers includes adults who cannot decipher instructions, rent agreements, contracts, the warnings on medications, or even the simple books their children bring home from school. Proper instruction can not only help children still in school, but it can also help the school dropouts and adults who need and want help in breaking the barriers to literacy. The methods described in the Guide have been used successfully for more than five decades by thousands of instructors, working with many thousands of students. The instructors have included both experienced and novice teachers and other school personnel, persons in the helping professions, and dedicated volunteers.