A new report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has found that nearly one in four American adults struggle with basic reading and writing skills, a significant increase since 2017. The study, released last week, revealed that 28% of U.S. adults ranked at the lowest levels of literacy in 2023, up from 19% just six years ago.
Understanding Low Literacy Levels
The findings are concerning because low literacy levels do not mean someone is illiterate; rather, they indicate an inability to read and write at a level necessary for basic living and workplace tasks. According to NCES Commissioner Peggy Carr, pinpointing the exact cause of declining literacy rates is challenging due to various factors, including:
- Changes in how people consume information
- Differences in education systems across states
The Role of Technology
Some educators believe that technology plays a significant role in this decline. Hannah Maria, an outgoing tenth-grade English teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology in Alexandria, Virginia, has observed students’ decreased reading abilities firsthand.
Maria attributes students’ struggles with paying attention during class to their reliance on digital devices, such as e-readers or audiobooks, instead of physical books. She notes that students often find it difficult to focus on written material when they are accustomed to constant entertainment from their smartphones and other digital devices.
"I think we’re losing our ability as humans to be able to sit down quietly with a book," Maria said during an interview last week. "We’re losing our ability as humans because we’ve been conditioned by technology."
Maria also points out that students’ disinterest has led them away from learning about foundational documents like The Declaration of Independence or The Constitution—knowledge she believes is crucial for citizens participating fully in a democratic society.
"We need people who can read these documents critically," Maria said. "We need people who can understand what’s happening around them."
Suggestions for Improvement
To reverse this trend, Maria suggests that cutting off access to technology until college age may help.
"If you don’t give kids access until college age, then maybe they’ll learn how to read without having all these distractions," she said.
Implications for Society
The study’s findings have sparked concerns about the long-term implications of declining literacy rates on individuals and society as a whole.
"This is not just about individual achievement; it’s about civic engagement," Carr said during her testimony before Congress last month.
The report highlights the importance of addressing low literacy rates through education policy reforms aimed at improving reading instruction methods used by teachers nationwide. Carr noted that while there have been some positive trends over time—such as increased high school graduation rates—there remains much work ahead.
"This report should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers across America," Carr told lawmakers earlier this month. "It shows us where we stand today, but more importantly, it gives us direction toward making sure every student leaves high school ready for success."
Future Plans
In response to growing concerns over low literacy rates among American adults, NCES plans to release data next year showing whether children’s reading abilities improved between third grade and eighth grade.
As policymakers grapple with ways to address declining adult literacy rates, many educators like Maria remain committed to helping young people develop strong reading skills so they can succeed in life beyond the classroom.
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