I shared it with as many people as I can and I am still talking about it as I consider the most important thing that I have learned... Its no wonder we are where we are...
That means so much to me for two reasons. 1. That you got value out of the writing. That means th eworld to me. 2. That you are so concerned about this issue as I am. THANK YOU!
Hi Travis! Are American adults testing lower than they have in the past? Have the testing methods stayed consistent? As for this stat, I’m not surprised at all. I was raised by a stepdad I’ve certain is functionally illiterate but had an award-winning and exemplary lifelong white-collar career (and was somehow an avid reader of fiction) and as the mom of a special-needs child with severe learning disabilities all related to reading (yet is starting grad school today thanks to the many tools and accommodations available to ensure people with disabilities can contribute their skills and talents to society), I am personally confronted with adult reading levels daily. And as a professional communicator, I use this awareness every single day in my job and construct every communication with it in mind. I know the reaction to your post was your point here, but I think I need to know who’s deciding what 6th grade level even means, how they’re testing people and if that’s a moving target based on who’s testing before I can decide how alarmed I should be. I have a degree in English so I think everyone should care as much as I do about literacy! But I’m also realistic. I’m sure an economist wishes we all had the aptitude for and interest in financial literacy.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful questions and for your support in reading my post. I’m not an expert, but I’ve done some research and here’s my current understanding. I’m going to address each of your questions individually to make sure I cover them all. I hope the family is doing well!!!!
1 Are American adults testing lower than they have in the past?
Yes, sadly it appears that literacy rates among American adults have declined in recent years. Data from assessments like the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) show that a significant portion of U.S. adults struggle with basic literacy. For example, recent data suggests that 54% of American adults read below a 6th-grade level, which is higher than in previous decades. There have also been declines in reading proficiency among younger age groups, which could indicate future challenges in adult literacy as these individuals age.
2. Have the testing methods stayed consistent??
While there have been some updates in testing methods to reflect current educational standards and technologies, the core elements of literacy assessment have remained fairly consistent. The PIAAC, which is part of an international effort led by the OECD, has used a standardized approach to evaluate adult literacy skills since its inception. Similarly, the NAEP has been a consistent measure of reading proficiency across different age groups in the U.S., though it occasionally updates its methodologies to stay current.
3. Who’s deciding what a 6th-grade level even means?
The definition of a 6th-grade reading level is determined by educational benchmarks set by bodies like the U.S. Department of Education and international organizations like the OECD. These levels are based on what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level. For example, a 6th-grade reading level typically involves understanding and analyzing more complex texts than those at lower grades, and this is reflected in the literacy assessments used.
4. How are they testing people?
Adult literacy is assessed through large-scale surveys like the PIAAC, which tests a representative sample of adults on their ability to perform various literacy-related tasks. These tasks range from understanding simple texts to more complex comprehension and analysis. The PIAAC uses a mix of digital and paper-based assessments, and respondents can take the test in their preferred language, though literacy is assessed only in English.
5. Is that a moving target based on who’s testing?
While the specific tasks and contexts in literacy assessments may evolve, the overall proficiency levels are standardized and consistent across different testing bodies. However, certain factors—like cultural differences or the specific population being tested—can introduce variations in results. For instance, regions with higher populations of non-native English speakers may report different literacy levels compared to others, which could influence the data.
I hope this helps clarify things! Thanks again for engaging with my post and for raising such important questions. Feel free to shoot me a call if you have any questions because I always love talking to you!
I shared it with as many people as I can and I am still talking about it as I consider the most important thing that I have learned... Its no wonder we are where we are...
That means so much to me for two reasons. 1. That you got value out of the writing. That means th eworld to me. 2. That you are so concerned about this issue as I am. THANK YOU!
Also, ignore any typos. Typing on my phone isn’t easy with these giant thumbs. 😂
Hi Travis! Are American adults testing lower than they have in the past? Have the testing methods stayed consistent? As for this stat, I’m not surprised at all. I was raised by a stepdad I’ve certain is functionally illiterate but had an award-winning and exemplary lifelong white-collar career (and was somehow an avid reader of fiction) and as the mom of a special-needs child with severe learning disabilities all related to reading (yet is starting grad school today thanks to the many tools and accommodations available to ensure people with disabilities can contribute their skills and talents to society), I am personally confronted with adult reading levels daily. And as a professional communicator, I use this awareness every single day in my job and construct every communication with it in mind. I know the reaction to your post was your point here, but I think I need to know who’s deciding what 6th grade level even means, how they’re testing people and if that’s a moving target based on who’s testing before I can decide how alarmed I should be. I have a degree in English so I think everyone should care as much as I do about literacy! But I’m also realistic. I’m sure an economist wishes we all had the aptitude for and interest in financial literacy.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful questions and for your support in reading my post. I’m not an expert, but I’ve done some research and here’s my current understanding. I’m going to address each of your questions individually to make sure I cover them all. I hope the family is doing well!!!!
1 Are American adults testing lower than they have in the past?
Yes, sadly it appears that literacy rates among American adults have declined in recent years. Data from assessments like the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) show that a significant portion of U.S. adults struggle with basic literacy. For example, recent data suggests that 54% of American adults read below a 6th-grade level, which is higher than in previous decades. There have also been declines in reading proficiency among younger age groups, which could indicate future challenges in adult literacy as these individuals age.
2. Have the testing methods stayed consistent??
While there have been some updates in testing methods to reflect current educational standards and technologies, the core elements of literacy assessment have remained fairly consistent. The PIAAC, which is part of an international effort led by the OECD, has used a standardized approach to evaluate adult literacy skills since its inception. Similarly, the NAEP has been a consistent measure of reading proficiency across different age groups in the U.S., though it occasionally updates its methodologies to stay current.
3. Who’s deciding what a 6th-grade level even means?
The definition of a 6th-grade reading level is determined by educational benchmarks set by bodies like the U.S. Department of Education and international organizations like the OECD. These levels are based on what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level. For example, a 6th-grade reading level typically involves understanding and analyzing more complex texts than those at lower grades, and this is reflected in the literacy assessments used.
4. How are they testing people?
Adult literacy is assessed through large-scale surveys like the PIAAC, which tests a representative sample of adults on their ability to perform various literacy-related tasks. These tasks range from understanding simple texts to more complex comprehension and analysis. The PIAAC uses a mix of digital and paper-based assessments, and respondents can take the test in their preferred language, though literacy is assessed only in English.
5. Is that a moving target based on who’s testing?
While the specific tasks and contexts in literacy assessments may evolve, the overall proficiency levels are standardized and consistent across different testing bodies. However, certain factors—like cultural differences or the specific population being tested—can introduce variations in results. For instance, regions with higher populations of non-native English speakers may report different literacy levels compared to others, which could influence the data.
I hope this helps clarify things! Thanks again for engaging with my post and for raising such important questions. Feel free to shoot me a call if you have any questions because I always love talking to you!
Best,
Travis