Recently enacted welfare reform and workforce development legislation has had a dramatic impact on the funding, implementation, and evaluation of adult basic education and literacy programs. This issue of New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education provides a framework for literacy practitioners to better align their field with the demands of the new Work First environment and to meet the pragmatic expectations of an extended list of stakeholders. The authors offer innovative alternatives to traditional literacy programs that more effectively transition welfare recipients into the workforce. They also look at the new skills and preparation adult educators need to fulfill their changing roles.This is the 83rd issue of the quarterly journal "New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education ."