The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), administered by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), conducts surveys to measure adults’ proficiency in key information-processing skills, including literacy and numeracy. In the United States, the Survey of Adult Skills, a component of PIAAC, provides valuable insights into the literacy and numeracy levels of adults aged 16 to 65.
The Survey, conducted in 2012 and 2017, offers a comprehensive assessment of adults’ skills and their application in various contexts, such as home, work, and the wider community. Managed by the National Center for Education Statistics, the data collected sheds light on the proficiency levels of U.S. adults in literacy and numeracy.
Literacy Levels: According to the Survey, literacy proficiency is categorized into six levels, ranging from Below Level 1 to Level 5. In 2017, approximately 19 percent of U.S. adults scored at Level 1 or Below Level 1, indicating basic reading abilities, while 33 percent scored at Level 2, demonstrating the capacity to read paragraph-length texts and make straightforward inferences.
Disparities in literacy proficiency are evident when considering additional factors such as race/ethnicity, nativity, and self-reported health status. For instance, Black and Hispanic respondents were more likely to score at Level 1 or below compared to White respondents. Similarly, individuals born outside the United States exhibited lower literacy proficiency levels than those born within the country.
Numeracy Levels: Numeracy proficiency, also assessed on a six-level scale, reveals similar trends. In 2017, approximately 29 percent of U.S. adults scored at Level 1 or Below Level 1 in numeracy, indicating basic numerical skills, while 33 percent scored at Level 2, demonstrating the ability to comprehend and apply numerical information in various contexts.
Understanding the literacy and numeracy levels of adults is crucial for addressing educational disparities and promoting equitable access to learning opportunities. By identifying areas of need and implementing targeted interventions, policymakers and educators can work towards improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for all adults.
Explore the Skills Map for state and county-level data on adult literacy, and delve into comparative data to gain further insights into the literacy and numeracy landscape in the United States. Together, we can strive to enhance adult education initiatives and empower individuals to unlock their full potential through improved literacy and numeracy skills.