What is illiteracy? How widespread is the problem?
Illiteracy is defined as the lack of adequate reading or writing skills which would allow an adult to function independently in the home, workplace, or community. Many of the people who lack literacy skills are unable to read and comprehend a newspaper article, write a check, fill out a job application, read a warning label on a product, or understand simple written instructions. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that there are 27 million people in the United States who are functionally illiterate. According to state reports, Illinois has two million people who cannot read above the fifth grade level. There are thousands of adults enrolled in literacy programs throughout Illinois. Some people are learning to read and write for the first time, while others are reviewing skills that they may have forgotten over the years.
