How might the United States restore literacy to our people?
Our people are poisoned by brainrot Slop
Mass awakenings and revolutions tended to take on the form of a popular upsurge in literacy
National Adult Literacy Statistics
Adult literacy levels in the U.S. reveal a deep divide in reading and comprehension skills
across the population. The latest data shows that more than half of adults read below a sixth-grade level, with millions struggling to complete everyday reading tasks. These statistics underscore the urgent need for nationwide support and accessible programs. Strengthening adult literacy is essential to individual success and national progress.
1. In 2023, 28% of U.S. adults scored at or below Level 1 literacy, indicating significant difficulty with everyday reading tasks.
2. In 2023, 29% of U.S. adults scored at Level 2 literacy, showing basic reading proficiency but challenges with complex texts.
3. In 2023,44% of U.S. adults scored at Level 3 literacy or above, indicating strong reading and comprehension skills.
4. About 130 million U.S. adults (54% of those aged 16-74) read below a sixth-grade level, according to modeled estimates.
5. Approximately 45 million U.S. adults are functionally illiterate, reading below a fifth-grade level.
6. 21% of U.S. adults are classified as functionally illiterate, unable to complete basic reading tasks.
7. The average American reads at a 7th- to 8th-grade level.
8. Adults scoring in the lowest literacy levels (Level 1 or below) increased by 9 percentage points between 2017 and 2023.
9. U.S. adults' average literacy scores declined by 12 points from 2017 to 2023,
according to the latest PIAAC data.