Low literacy levels in the US could result in a yearly cost of $300 billion for America.
The Cost of Illiteracy in the United States
A new study reveals that the United States is losing the most money among developed countries due to illiteracy. Shockingly, over half of American adults read at or below a 12-year-old’s level. This alarming statistic is costing the country approximately $300 billion annually, according to the World Literacy Foundation (WLF). In fact, illiteracy costs the developed world a staggering $803 billion each year.
Another study conducted by Gallup for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy found that illiteracy could result in a loss of $2.2 trillion in annual income for Americans. This represents missed opportunities for higher-paying jobs that require strong reading skills.
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The study also found that approximately 54 percent of Americans read at a sixth-grade level or below, with 21 percent of that group being completely illiterate. Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, expressed concern about the basic literacy skills within communities, emphasizing that some individuals are unable to read even a single word.
Books written at a sixth-grade reading level include popular titles such as “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeline L’Engle, and “Matilda” by Roald Dahl.
Consequences of Illiteracy
The impact of low literacy levels among Americans goes beyond financial losses. Andrew Kay explains that every misread sign, misunderstood instruction, or mistakenly written check contributes to a quiet economic damage. These mistakes can have catastrophic consequences, especially when multiplied across millions of people.
Furthermore, individuals with poor literacy skills face numerous challenges in their daily lives. They struggle to read medicine labels, balance checkbooks, understand financial statements, compare prices, and even work out correct change at stores. Critical thinking and engagement in activities like voting, online banking, financial investment, reading the news, avoiding scams, graduating college, and assisting children with homework are also hindered by limited literacy.
The isolation experienced by illiterate individuals in developed countries is described in the WLF report. It highlights scenarios where people bring home the wrong food items due to inability to understand labels, are unable to read newspapers, face difficulties traveling due to incomprehensible road signs, unknowingly agree to medical procedures, or suffer demotions at work when their illiteracy is discovered.
According to the Gallup study, literate individuals tend to earn more than those with limited reading abilities. Additionally, illiterate individuals have shorter lifespans and lower socioeconomic status.
A Neighborhood Epidemic
Andrew Kay points out that illiteracy often thrives in specific communities, creating pockets of extremely low literacy levels. He attributes this issue to education and cultural factors, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to teaching reading.
Andrew Kay emphasizes the importance of early exposure to reading for children. Brain development peaks at age three, and reading during this critical period can have lifelong positive effects. Parents play a crucial role in fostering a reading culture at home, as children learn the significance of reading through their parents’ encouragement.
Reading not only enhances brain development, critical thinking, intellect, curiosity, and imagination, but it also exposes individuals to transformative ideas. However, in an increasingly digital world, people tend to skim headlines rather than delve into the full text, resulting in a decline in the amount of text processed.
Teaching the Importance of Reading
Efforts to address literacy have been made by governors in Georgia and Tennessee, who have launched public campaigns to promote reading. Andrew Kay emphasizes that fixing America’s reading comprehension problem requires both community investment and government intervention. The government and parents must prioritize teaching children the importance of reading.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has had disastrous effects on education, it surprisingly led to an increase in reading. Book sales on Amazon rose by 37 percent during this period. However, overall book reading has declined in recent years, with the average American reading fewer books than before.
The decline in reading can be attributed to the growing popularity of digital media, video games, and the internet. Video game addiction among teenagers has led to reduced reading and homework time. However, Andrew Kay suggests that digital media, such as e-readers and audiobooks, could potentially revive interest in reading. He also mentions the potential of gamification, where reading materials are presented in a video game format with rewards for progress.
Andrew Kay concludes by highlighting the incredible technological advancements that can contribute to a resurgence in reading. Despite the challenges, there is hope for a future where literacy rates improve and individuals reap the benefits of reading.
How does the decline in reading skills and literacy rates relate to the increased time spent on screens and less time reading books?
Le are spending more time on screens and less time reading books, resulting in a decline in reading skills and literacy rates.
The Role of Education
Educational institutions also play a vital role in combating illiteracy. By providing effective reading instruction and resources, schools can ensure that students are equipped with the necessary literacy skills to succeed in life. Teachers and educators must be trained in evidence-based reading instruction methods and must prioritize literacy development in their classrooms.
Government and Community Efforts
Addressing the issue of illiteracy requires a collective effort from the government, communities, and individuals. Government initiatives and policies can invest in literacy programs, provide funding for adult education, and promote reading initiatives in schools. Community organizations can organize literacy campaigns, provide access to books and resources, and offer adult literacy classes. Individuals can participate by volunteering as literacy tutors, donating books to libraries, and supporting organizations that promote literacy.
Conclusion
Illiteracy is a pervasive issue in the United States that has significant economic, social, and personal consequences. The cost of illiteracy is staggering, with billions of dollars lost annually and individuals facing numerous challenges in their daily lives. It is imperative for society to prioritize literacy and invest in efforts to improve reading skills and access to education. By addressing this issue, we can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and build a more prosperous and inclusive society.
Sources:
“The Cost of Illiteracy in America: A Trillion Dollar Loss to the Economy” by World Literacy Foundation
“Growth in Literacy Skills and Falling Wages” by Gallup for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
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- “The Link Between Declining National Education Quality and UN Agenda 2030” – The Epoch Times, 7/15/2018
- “Canadian Students’ Decline in Writing, Thinking Skills Amid Rise of Ideological Education Worries Profs” – The Epoch Times, 2/18/2022
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