Literacy Statistics

Today, while researching literacy rates I came across the following statistics:

44 million adults in the U.S. can't read well enough to read a simple story to a child. Provided by National Adult Literacy Survey (1992) NCED, U.S. Department of Education

50 percent of American adults are unable to read an eighth grade level book.Provided by Jonathan Kozol, Illiterate America

46% of American adults cannot understand the label on their prescription medicine. Provided by Journal of American Medical Association

21 million Americans can't read at all, 45 million are marginally illiterate and one-fifth of high school graduates can't read their diplomas. Provided by Department of Justice, 1993

It is estimated that the cost of illiteracy to business and the taxpayer is $20 billion per year. Provided by United Way, "Illiteracy: A National Crisis"

More than three out of four of those on welfare, 85% of unwed mothers and 68% of those arrested are illiterate. About three in five of America's prison inmates are illiterate. Provided by Washington Literacy Council

Some of these statistics are older than 10 years old however the mere fact that they were calculated shows the need for programs such as Reading Is Fundamental, Wright to Read and DC LEARNs. Please join me in eradicating illiteracy by contacting your local Congressional Representative(s) and asking them to support legislation that increases funding for children's literacy programs.