| The New York Optimist January 2009 |
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From CBS News Online
A troubling report released by the
Education Department suggests that a
shocking number of Americans can barely
read. One in seven American adults lack
sufficient reading skills. Seth Doane
reports.
Education Department suggests that a
shocking number of Americans can barely
read. One in seven American adults lack
sufficient reading skills. Seth Doane
reports.
Adult Illiteracy in America
Few people realize the prevalence of adult illiteracy in the United States. According to a 1993 study conducted by the U.S.
Department of Education - entitled the National Adult Literacy Survey and updated in 1998 - one out of five adults in America
reads below the fifth grade level. The study further revealed that nearly half the adult population is condemned to poor
earnings and limited opportunities because of insufficient skills. Also, more than fourteen million U. S. workers read below the
fourth grade level. One fourth of all students in the United States lack a high school diploma. Nearly 60% of prison inmates
are dropouts. Indeed the relationship between illiteracy and other social indicators such as poverty, employment, crime and
health is firmly established in the Department of Education study
Few people realize the prevalence of adult illiteracy in the United States. According to a 1993 study conducted by the U.S.
Department of Education - entitled the National Adult Literacy Survey and updated in 1998 - one out of five adults in America
reads below the fifth grade level. The study further revealed that nearly half the adult population is condemned to poor
earnings and limited opportunities because of insufficient skills. Also, more than fourteen million U. S. workers read below the
fourth grade level. One fourth of all students in the United States lack a high school diploma. Nearly 60% of prison inmates
are dropouts. Indeed the relationship between illiteracy and other social indicators such as poverty, employment, crime and
health is firmly established in the Department of Education study
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