Literacy "gaps"

The definition of "functional" literacy has typically been tied to grade-level equivalents. During World War II, for example, the average worker was expected to perform at least at a fourth grade level. By the mid-1960s, the standard for "functional" literacy had risen to an eighth grade level. Today, most new jobs already require twelve years of education, and the 21st century will present even higher demands.

People who were once considered literate by a previous yardstick may today suddenly find themselves considered to be lacking in literacy skills. There now exist literacy "gaps." Compounding the problem is that few citizens think they need help until they lose their jobs, their children fail in school, or some other tragedy strikes them.

The problem facing most Americans is not primarily an "illiteracy" problem but a "literacy" gap--a shortage of skills among very large numbers of adults who are expected to provide the incomes to support society, learn to live more healthy lives, raise the next generation of productive citizens, and participate in cultural and democratic life.

Literacy is...everybody's business, and lifelong learning needs to become a way of life.