This is a research report describing how self-direction is critical to successful learning. Practitioners, researchers and administrators of adult literacy programs may all find something of interest in this report, as it explores the factors that affect learning, as well as progress in a literacy program and change in learners'daily lives. In this eagerly awaited publication, OLC investigates a domain of learning that has not - until now - been well explored or understood in terms of literacy learning. The research shows that "self-management and self-direction" is an important aspect of learning and that is more than individual skills. Learning happens in a social context and there is a need for community supports to be built into literacy learning so learners can be successful.