Understanding Literacy

Literacy is more than just reading. It's an individual's ability to read, write, speak, compute and solve problems.

 

This means reading labels on prescription bottles and understanding the directions on how much
to take. This includes balancing a checkbook, basic math, comprehension and communicating
in English.

 

In the home, literacy skills promote close family interactions, informed decision-making and lifelong learning. In school, strong literacy skills result in more capable students and higher levels of achievement.

 

Ultimately, healthy communities and families have literacy at their core, with informed and engaged residents who are better equipped to recognize and overcome civic, social and economic challenges.

 

The Economy

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), even one extra year of postsecondary education leads -- on average and in the long run -- to an increase in output per capita of 4 to 7%.

 

Communities

Increasing the number of adults with up to two years of postsecondary education and training by 10% could increase annual federal tax revenues by almost $14 billion. (Skills2Compete Vision Works for America)

 

Families

If the head of a household has more than a high school diploma, but less than a bachelor's degree, it reduces the chances of that household living in poverty by 35%. (From U.S. Census Bureau, 2002)