New York Adults Score Lower Overall in Literacy Compared to the Nation
Press release from the New York State Education Department
December 15, 2005
The National Assessment of Adult Literacy, released today in Washington D.C., showed that adults in New York overall had lower levels of literacy in two important areas: prose literacy (for example, reading a news story) and document literacy (filling out a job application). However, the level of quantitative literacy (math) was the same as the nation. The study was conducted in 2003.
In New York, fewer of those still in high school were “below basic” in literacy compared to those still in high school in the nation as a whole. However, more New York adults age 25-39 were “below basic” than in the nation as a whole.
White and Hispanic adults in New York showed literacy levels similar to Whites and Hispanics in the nation overall. However, Blacks and Asians in New York showed literacy levels lower than Blacks and Asians in the nation overall.
The survey is based on a sample of 1,677 adults in New York, and is subject to a margin of error specified in the report.
“We agreed to participate in this survey to develop a better understanding of adult literacy in New York as compared to the nation overall,” State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said. “The results show the need for the education reforms that New York has now adopted. People are familiar with the higher standards and extra help in elementary through high school. Colleges and universities have a statewide plan and are also working hard to increase access, raise standards, and support students. And more adults are entering education programs to prepare them for literacy and the workforce.”
“We have much more to do,” Commissioner Mills said. “This report shows that we must work with still more urgency to improve educational achievement.” The number of people in education and workforce programs in New York has increased from 138,000 in 2002-2003 to 157,486 in 2004-2005. These programs receive about $100 million in state funds and $42 million in federal funds each year.