To be fully literate in today’s complex society, a person must be able to read, write, do math and use a computer. Without these skills, fluid navigation through society and upward social movement are challenging.
Worldwide, 775 million adults — approximately 12 percent of the world’s population — are considered functionally illiterate, with only basic or below-basic literacy levels in their native languages. Without the ability to effectively use the written and digital information in the world around them, these individuals are unable to help themselves, their families and those around them.
- 1 in 3 high school students drop out each year. [2008 Report of the National Commission on Adult Literacy]
- 16.8% of US adults ages 18-24 did not graduate high school or obtain equivalency. [Education Attainment table, 2010 American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)]
- The National Center for Education Statistics shows that the majority of people who do not complete high school have basic or below-basic literacy skills. 26% of prison inmates nationwide had parents who had not completed high school, and 37% of inmates had not completed high school themselves.
One More Fact
Certainly, the above statistics show that illiteracy causes a significant, yet largely hidden, burden on the workplace, economy and society. Yet one fact gives hope:
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