LITERACY IS A FUNDAMENTAL SKILL THAT AFFECTS EVERY AREA OF A PERSON’S LIFE.
When individuals the world over learn how to read, do basic math and use computers, they are more likely to lift themselves out of poverty, contribute to lower health care costs, and find and keep sustainable employment. It has been widely reported that a mother’s level of reading skill is the greatest determinant of her child’s future academic success.
A new study by Gallup on behalf of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy finds that low levels of adult literacy could be costing the U.S. as much $2.2 trillion a year.
WHY SHOULD ADULT LITERACY MATTER TO OUR COMMUNITY?
Economic Growth
Perhaps the most important outcomes of the “each one teach one” approach are the everyday success stories. The excitement of reading a story to a child for the first time, deciphering instructions at work without assistance or the triumph in an ESL student’s eyes when they have successfully negotiated their children’s parent-teacher conferences or attained citizenship are just a few of the accomplishments our students and tutors share.
A new study by Gallup on behalf of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy finds that low levels of adult literacy could be costing the U.S. as much $2.2 trillion a year.
WHY SHOULD ADULT LITERACY MATTER TO OUR COMMUNITY?
Economic Growth
- Every dollar invested in adult literacy yields $7.14 in return.
- Not only do adults without a high school diploma or equivalent have the highest unemployment rates, but they also have the lowest median weekly earnings.
- 43% of adults with low literacy live in poverty.
- 70% of adult welfare recipients function at the lowest level of literacy.
A parent's educational level is the chief indicator of whether or not a child will grow up in poverty
- Those who lack basic literacy skills are much more likely than others to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer, and to have health care expenses as much as six times higher than adults with average levels of literacy.
- If parents have low literacy skills, their children are 72% more likely to have low reading levels. This leads to lower grades, more behavioral issues, and a lower possibility to lead a successful academic career.
- In the United States, 75% of incarcerated people did not complete high school, and ultimately have low literacy skills. On the other hand, inmates who participate in correctional education programs are 43% less likely to become repeat offenders.
Perhaps the most important outcomes of the “each one teach one” approach are the everyday success stories. The excitement of reading a story to a child for the first time, deciphering instructions at work without assistance or the triumph in an ESL student’s eyes when they have successfully negotiated their children’s parent-teacher conferences or attained citizenship are just a few of the accomplishments our students and tutors share.
