Get the latest tech news

About 130 million adults in the U.S. have low literacy skills (2022)


About 130 million adults in the U.S. have low literacy skills according to a Gallup analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education. This means more than half of Americans between the ages of 16 and 74 (54%) read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level.

Those on the higher end of this category can perform simple tasks based on the information they read, but adults below Level 1 may only understand very basic vocabulary or be functionally illiterate. Adults at Levels 3, 4 and 5 have varying degrees of proficiency in understanding, interpreting and synthesizing information from multiple, complex texts to infer meaning and draw conclusions. While Feinberg said anyone can have low literacy, adults who have poor reading skills tend to live in underserved communities with few resources, or what she calls a “print desert.” In these areas, she said there is little signage beyond local stores as well as few libraries and bookstores.

Get the Android app

Or read this on Hacker News

Read more on:

Photo of American

American

Photo of american adults

american adults

Photo of low literacy skills

low literacy skills

Related news:

News photo

American Hacker in Turkey Linked to Massive AT&T Breach

News photo

American Hacker In Turkey Linked To Massive AT&T Breach

News photo

‘This American Life’ Shifts Podcast Ad Sales to National Public Media