What is low literacy?

Low literacy means that an individual lacks higher-order skills in basic areas such as reading, math, communication skills, and comprehension or critical thinking abilities. It can also mean the lack of or a low level ability to communicate in English.

Individuals with low literacy exhibit levels of skill within the kindergarten to fifth grade educational levels and often find it difficult to fill out forms or applications, understand communications and directives in a workplace or social environment, and are unable to support their children’s academic needs after a certain point.

Low-literate individuals often are left behind and become increasingly isolated as our society relies more on technological and digital skills. Basic and higher understanding in other areas such as financial and health literacy also influence the overall health of an entire populace. For non-native English speakers, the challenges associated with low literacy can become almost insurmountable.