United States adult literacy rates decline in recent assessments

Recent data from the 2023 Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), indicates a significant decline in literacy levels among adults in the United States.

According to the assessment, 28% of U.S. adults aged 16 to 65 scored at Level 1 or below in literacy, a notable increase from 19% in 2017. Approximately 12% of adults scored below Level 1, a category often described by officials as functionally illiterate, meaning they struggle with basic tasks such as understanding short texts, following written instructions, or completing simple forms.

Average literacy scores also saw a decrease, dropping from 271 in 2017 to 258 in 2023. This decline, alongside a modest reduction in adults reaching higher proficiency levels (Level 3 or above), has contributed to a widening skill gap. These trends have prompted discussions regarding the impact of lowered academic expectations on students' ability to develop critical thinking, math, and practical life skills necessary for adulthood.