The mandate of the Numeracy Best Practices project was to produce a manual of relevant research and best practices with reference to adult numeracy programming, both in LBS and elsewhere in the world. This manual, Numbers Talk, is meant to be a readable, informative document containing input from both abroad and within Ontario. Recognition of what is working well here in LBS and awareness of what other countries are addressing in their adult numeracy programs provides a com parative basis for further development in LBS numeracy programming.

The project was intended to involve and benefit all three sectors of LBS across Ontario: community-based, school board and college programs, as well as administrators and policy makers involved in LBS. One of the most challenging parts of the project was establishing contact with numeracy practitioners across all of the sectors. With more than 200 funded anglophone LBS programs in the province, this was indeed an undertaking. The methodology of the questionnaire and its distribution is discussed in more detail in the Common Denominators section of this manual.

The findings of the project questionnaire show definitively that LBS numeracy programs across all sectors recognize and value the characteristics of adult learners. Program environment and delivery attempt to address many strategies for teaching adult learners. While best practices specific to numeracy are not always stated, practices related to effective adult education abound.