What is functional illiteracy?
Functional illiteracy refers to the inability of an individual to use reading, speaking, writing and computational skills in everyday life situations. For example, a functionally illiterate adult is unable to fill out an employment application, follow written instructions, or read a newspaper. In short, when confronted with printed materials, adults without basic literacy skills cannot function effectively. What is the scope of illiteracy in this country? In September, 1993, the most detailed portrait ever available on the condition of literacy in this nation was released by the U.S. Department of Education. The National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) evaluated the skills of adults in three areas: prose, document and quantitative proficiency. Results showed: 21%-23% (40 to 44 million adults) were at Level I, the lowest of five levels. This group is LVA’s primary target population those we refer to as functionally illiterate. 25%-28% (50 million adults) were at the second lowest level. Ac
