I was rereading “Pudd’nhead Wilson” by Twain again, I enjoyed it years ago and wanted to reread it. There was a mention of the illiteracy of some of the populace of Dawson’s Landing MO. So, I thought where do we stand as a people today in the US.
Functional Illiteracy Defined:
Functional illiteracy refers to the inability to use reading, writing, and numeracy skills in everyday life situations. It’s not just about being unable to read, but also about lacking the practical skills to navigate daily tasks that require literacy
Approximately 21% of adults in the United States are considered functionally illiterate, equating to about 45 million individuals, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This means they struggle with tasks requiring basic reading and writing skills, such as understanding instructions or completing forms.
Furthermore, 54% of adults read below a sixth-grade level, and an estimated 45 million are functionally illiterate. These statistics highlight the need for adult literacy programs and support, as low literacy can significantly impact individuals’ lives and the overall economy.
This is terrifying, and I went through the Chicago Public system and in spite of everything I did learn how to read and write, my wife is amused by my stories, she views my schools as practically suburban, based on their proximity to them.
We spend too much on education in the US to have such a poor final product…