APPENDIX
A
QUESTIONS
FOR EMPLOYERS TO ASK THEMSELVES
Are spelling and grammar errors common in reports from employees?
Are
there frequent math errors in reports, invoices, and other
data?
Are
employees able to complete forms, surveys, and reports independently
and quickly?
When
on-the-job reading and writing skills are required, do employees
give excuses like: "I forgot my glasses," "I
hurt my hand and can't write," "Can I take it home
and complete it?" or "I'll bring it to you after
lunch."
Is
productivity poor because employees don't seem to follow instructions?
Do
careless accidents occur even when warning signs are clearly
posted?
Do
employees use poor oral grammar skills?
Do
employees use work-related vocabulary appropriately?
Are
there good employees who do not accept advancement opportunities?
Are
reports or inventory often misplaced?
Are
there good employees who consistently fail to keep appointments
or miss deadlines?
Are
there employees who are cooperative except with written work?
Would
a higher employee literacy level improve the company's productivity
and profit margin?
Do
written communications to employees have fewer that 15 words
per sentence and use common (rather than difficult-to-read)
words
( Information about the clothing factory program is taken from
Sowing the Seeds: Literacy in a Clothing Factory, by Benjamin
D. Burenstein. The center for Literacy, 1989.
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