Facts about Adult Literacy in the U.S.

In 2003, a national assessment of adult literacy was conducted by the National Center for Education. This assessment measured the ability of adults to perform literacy tasks similar to those they encounter in their daily lives.

 

Adults were categorized in one of several levels:
  • Below Basic ~ includes simple concrete skills; e.g. limited ability to read or write.
  • Basic Level ~ in simple everyday tasks; e.g. can read or write personal or familiar words.
  • Intermediate Level ~ moderately challenging tasks that include taking orders either written or orally.
  • Proficient or Advanced ~ complex literacy tasks that include charts, reports, or bank accounts
  • Non-literate in English ~ did not understand/speak English
Their findings were:
  • 5% of the population (11 million people) were non-literate in English
  • 10% (23 million) have below basic literacy skills
  • 29% (63 million) have basic literacy skills
  • 44% (95 million) have intermediate literacy skills
  • 13% (28 million) have proficient literacy skills
They also determined there is a correlation between a low literacy rate and a low paycheck:
  • 35% of individuals with below basic skills are employed full time
  • 64% in the proficient category are employed full time

The salary of the adults with basic literacy skills is, on average, $28,000 less than salaries of adults with proficient skills.

In Indiana, 13-20% of adults (390,000 to 600,000) are functionally illiterate, which means they are unable to perform everyday tasks.

The Whitewater Technical Career Center (WTCC) is a community learning center. Our mission is to foster, support, and encourage community education. We provide brief training sessions to equip adults for one to one tutoring. We also provide workplace education and family education.

If you would like to make a difference in your community by helping others learn skills to improve their quality of life, please call us at The Link office in the Career Center for more information. 765-827-0553

We serve Fayette, Franklin, Rush, Union, and Western Wayne counties.

 

How can I help?

The Whitewater Adult Literacy Coalition (WALC) sponsors 2 events each year to raise funds. All proceeds go toward the purchase of materials to help area adults learn how to read.

The Annual WALC Spelling Bee takes place during the spring of each year in the WTCC Student Auditorium. Cost per team is $100. Each team consists of 4 members ~ 3 spellers and 1 team captain.

The WALC hopes to sponsor a new fund raiser in the near future: Triva Quest. Each team ~ 3 members and 1 team captain ~ will test their knowledge of Connersville, Fayette and neighboring county facts, as well as facts about Indiana, including sports, famous Hoosiers, and Indiana parks, recreations, and attractions. Cost per team is $100. Trivia Quest will take place in the WTCC Student Auditorium.

By sponsoring a team for either event, or for both events, you can help the WALC purchase teaching materials. By helping, you can help an area adult learn how to read.

 

Literacy Links:

Indiana Literacy Association

National Institute for Literacy

Pro Literacy

 

Call and help break the bonds of illiteracy.

Contact
Patsy Brack

Address

The Link
1300 Spartan Drive
Connersville, IN 47331

Phone

765-827-0553

Fax

765-827-9543
Email

pbrack@2thelink.com