Integrative Review of the Literature on Adults With Limited Education and Skills and the Implications for Human Resource Development

Abstract

Adults with limited education and skills—those who lack the education and skills needed for full participation in U.S. culture and economy—are increasing in numbers. However, the knowledge base addressing this population and their educational needs is fragmented across the literature of several disciplines. A comprehensive review and critique of the literature on adults with limited education and skills have not been done. This study fills this void by reviewing literature from five streams of research that address this population and synthesizing it into a framework that offers an integrated perspective on the topic. Implications for human resource development and an agenda for further research are discussed.