New Data Reveals More U.S. Adults Have Skills at the Lowest Levels
The 2022/23 Survey of Adult Skills, also known as the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), gauged the literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving skills of adults ages 16 to 65 worldwide. Survey results have just been published, affirming what we already know — the need for adult education in our communities is great.
Data for the United States showed that adults with the lowest proficiencies in literacy numbered 58.9 million (28%) in 2022/23, up from 48 million (19%) in 2017.
In numeracy, 34%, or 72 million U.S. adults, showed skills at the lowest levels, up from 29%, or 59 million in 2017.
In the 2022/23 survey cycle, adaptive problem-solving skills were evaluated for the first time. This is the ability to think through and navigate a situation or challenge when a solution is not immediately obvious. Results showed that 68 million American adults adaptively solve problems at the lowest levels.
Solutions like the Literacy Council’s literacy, math, high diploma preparation, and English language learning programs are more important than ever. Thank you for volunteering and supporting our efforts. We aim to reach and serve even more students this year and beyond.
Read more about the latest Survey of Adult Skills and see how NBC News covered and graphed U.S. and international survey results.
NPR’s Marketplace spoke with Professor Daphne Greenberg, Director of the Adult Literacy Research Center at Georgia State University, about the PIAAC findings and the economic consequences of low literacy in the U.S.
Congratulations to William Jerez, an AACLC ESL student who was recently promoted from Senior Apprentice to Technician at Chesapeake Electric, a full-service electric company in Annapolis. Prior to his promotion, he was also recognized as “Apprentice of the Year.”
William began working at the company nearly two years ago. Since then, he has been in an apprenticeship program learning skills he will need as an electrician such as installing electrical devices, upgrading electrical systems, and troubleshooting problems.
“This promotion is important to me because it shows how much effort I am putting into the trade. I wanted to be a technician and start doing projects by myself. By applying myself in the apprenticeship program, I improved quickly, becoming a technician in under two years. My next goal is to get my journeyman’s license in the State of Maryland,” said William.
Along with his full-time job and apprenticeship training, William is committed to improving his English writing and speaking skills so he can communicate better. He has been working with AACLC tutor Leanne Boyer for a little over a year to achieve his goals.
“William is a go-getter,” says his tutor. “He works incredibly hard to improve his knowledge and skills in English and in other areas of his life.”
What We Have Already Accomplished in FY25
Students have achieved many impressive goals, big and small — all contributing to a better quality of life.
Some highlights:
- Five students earned high school diplomas. Six more students passed at least one section of the GED.
- One student obtained U.S. citizenship.
- Ten students got a better job or promotion.
- Thirteen students improved an employability skill.
- Twenty-four students improved their ability to communicate in English.
- Five students increased their involvement in a child’s education.
- Ten students attained a consumer skill.
The Literacy Council’s fiscal year began on June 1, 2024, and ends on May 31, 2025.
The Rotary Club of Annapolis has awarded the Literacy Council a 2024 Crab Feast Grant. The funds we received will purchase materials for Annapolis adults in each of our programs.
This year’s crab feast raised $30,000, and sixteen nonprofit and charitable organizations were selected to receive grant funding. Thank you, Rotary Club of Annapolis!
New Facebook Group for Tutors Launched
The Literacy Council has started a Facebook Group for AACLC Tutors to share ideas, resources, and solutions.
The group is titled “AACLC Tutors.” Tutors are invited to search for it on Facebook and ask to join. The group is moderated by AACLC staff and volunteers. This is a private group, and there are ground rules about privacy and courtesy. For more information, look us up on Facebook.
The Literacy Council will continue its informational, public Facebook page at facebook.com/AACLC.
Libraries Offer Opportunities for Social & Civic Connection
Every week, our tutors and students meet for lessons at local public libraries. Here’s an interview with author and former librarian Shamichael Hallman that affirms what we already know: libraries are convenient places to connect, learn, and access various services, including our tutoring programs. Mr. Hallman recently published “Meet Me at the Library,” a book about how public libraries are our best hope for social and civic connection. “Meet Me at the Library” is available to borrow at aacpl.net.
Earning a High School Diploma with the Literacy Council
The Literacy Council is accepting new students and can help Anne Arundel County residents pursue a diploma through the GED or the NEDP. Please refer prospective students to our website at icanread.org or to our voicemail line at 410-269-4419.
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Donate Toys for Annapolis Children
Literacy Council partner in Annapolis, Small City Big Dreams, founded and run by Lovell Offer, is holding a toy drive this holiday. New toys for children ten and under will be distributed to low-income families in Annapolis neighborhoods.
Contact Lovell at 443-979-2640 to arrange collection of donated toys or gift cards. The drive ends on December 23.
Small City Big Dreams (SCBD) is a nonprofit that provides vital resources to low-income communities in Annapolis. For more information about the organization, visit SCBD on Facebook.
