What Does It Mean To Be Literate?

International Adult Literacy Survey Definition:

• The ability to understand and employ printed information in daily activities, at home, at work and in the community--to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's knowledge and potential.
• Goes beyond reading, writing, and math, includes problem solving, decision making, and general learning skills.
• A continuum of skills and learning.

International Key Findings:

• Differences in literacy skills matter in terms of health, economic and employment stability, and social problems including addictions and crime.
• Not necessarily associated with educational attainment.
• Literacy problems affect large proportions of the adult population.
• Use it or lose it.
• Adults with low literacy do not always recognize the problem.