Were developed in 1993 by Manitoba Employment Development Programs and Literacy
(formerly Literacy and Continuing Education Branch)
If learners say they cannot read at all, have difficulty signing their names, or would have difficulty with simple reading or writing tasks, then these learners are most likely Stage One Learners.
If the learner can read some headlines, can write simple sentences (even if these have spelling errors in them), can read a basic literacy text, then the learner is probably at Stage Two in reading and writing development.
Learners begin the Stage being able to read a text fluently and expressively, understanding what they read, demonstrating some writing fluency, and using a number of strategies for learning to spell. By the end of Stage Three , students may be getting ready for college, further training or GED.