Having been a trainer at a DOE facility I can now say:
1. 20% of the work force could not read a lick.
2. Since the Union fostered this I could not flunk them on tests.
3. The tests were read to them with mucho emphisis on the correct answer ie: when making the wrong choice the reader would say ARE YOU SURE THAT IS THE ANSWER YOU WANT OR WOULD YOU LIKE ANOTER CHOICE.
4. I was removed from my position for not going along with the status quo.
So in answer to the question :It is a cattle chute. Feed them through the line to get them in.
I too, have found adults that could not (or had limited ability to) read, and was both appalled that they were seeking employment in nuclear power, and saddened, for I knew they had to be embarassed that their secret was uncovered.
Admittedly, I have helped those I knew were struggling and floundering, by helping them "reason-out" the correct answer, but I wanted to be sure they understood what was being taught to them. I have cringed at folks that barely passed with a "70" (after the second try), hoping that I would not encounter them working independently in the RCA.
You may have been discharged for not having "gone-along" with the status quo, T.C., but you maintained your integrity, and should be proud for having done so.