Literacy skills for the knowledge society: further results from the International Adult Literacy Survey

Abstract

This publication is the second report from the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) and builds on the data analysis to present findings for 12 OECD countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, UK and USA). The key finding suggests that there are significant literacy gaps in each country and that at least a quarter of the adult population do not reach the third of five literacy levels. The report is structured as follows: chapter one outlines both the overall proficiency levels as well as the distribution of adult literacy in each country; chapter two presents new evidence in terms of the economic and wider social benefits of literacy; chapter three looks at the relationships that exist between literacy and a range of individual characteristics and considers the connection between the socio-economic differences observed and interactions with families, schools and the workplace; and chapter four provides the results of an analysis of the readiness of adults to learn in different settings. The report concludes by briefly looking at the implications for policy. Included as annexes are: Definitions of literacy performance on three scales; Survey administration, response and data quality; Data values for the figures; Participants in the project.

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