eder@ssc-vax.UUCP (Dani Eder) (12/22/84)
> - an estimated 67 million adults in the US are functionally illiterate. > [i.e. cannot read and write well enough to get through everyday life. > This means they cannot read a newspaper or the signs identifying the > express checkout at the grocery store.] > > - The ranks of the illiterate are growing at about 2.25 million > annually. > Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1978 Edition, p.145 "Percent Illiterate of Population" age 14-15 or more. Persons unable to both read and write in any language are classified as illiterate. [poster's note: perhaps the discussion is really how many people cannot read and write ENGLISH.] Year % Illiterate 1900 11.3 1920 6.5 1930 4.8 1950 3.3 1960 2.4 1970 1.2