Adult illiteracy
(Ref.413)
| Problem |
Components |
| Policy issue area: |
Society |
| Policy issue: |
Education |
| Description: |
10 million Americans are defined as illiterate; a much larger number as functionally
illiterate. |
| Symptoms: |
Inability to read, write, or perform simple arithmetical problems well enough to
function normally in society. |
| Causes: |
Poor teaching of basics in elementary and high schools; immigration; bi- lingualism;
high drop-out rate among minorities. |
| Cost of problem: |
- |
| Solution |
Components |
| Resources: |
Local volunteer organizations; other associations and volunteer groups; educational
organizations; business and industry. |
| Goal: |
Reduce adult illiteracy and functional illiteracy by 10% per year. |
| Program area: |
Human resources development |
| Program-remedy: |
National "Initiative on Adult Illiteracy," to involve Federal and state/local
government cooperation, relying extensively on volunteer resources. |
| Program-prevent: |
Improved teaching of basics in elementary and high schools. |
| Cost of program: |
- |
| Beneficiaries: |
Non-literate adults; business and industry. |