Last week, we looked at middle school literacy rate trends in America. This week, we’ll step back and look at the bigger picture of literacy trends in America overall.
Literacy is a cornerstone of personal and societal development, influencing everything from individual opportunities to national economic health. In this post, we’ll explore the current state of literacy in America, examine prevailing trends, and see how the U.S. measures up against other countries.
Current Literacy Rates in America
As of 2024, approximately 79% of U.S. adults are considered literate, leaving about 21%—or roughly 77 million adults—facing challenges with reading and writing. Notably, 54% of adults read below a sixth-grade level, with 20% below a fifth-grade level. This literacy gap has significant economic implications, costing the U.S. up to $2.2 trillion annually. (thenationalliteracyinstitute.com)
Historically, literacy rates in America have improved dramatically. In 1900, about 90% of American adults were literate, a figure that steadily climbed throughout the 20th century due to expanding public education and increased access to books and libraries. By 1940, adult literacy was close to 95%, and by 1980, it had risen to nearly 99%. Despite this overall growth, more recent trends show stagnation in reading proficiency among younger generations. For example, while access to education has improved, proficiency scores on standardized reading assessments have remained flat or even declined slightly since the 1990s. (nces.ed.gov)
The plateau in literacy proficiency highlights the importance of evolving teaching methods, particularly in early reading instruction. This reinforces the need for innovative strategies and continued focus on literacy development in schools. In addition to looking at how we teach reading, we also need to look at how long we teach it. The time has come where we answer the question, “Why do we stop teaching reading at the elementary or early middle school level?”
For another perspective on this topic, check out the article, America’s literacy crisis isn’t what you think.
International Literacy Comparisons
When comparing literacy trends in America with other developed nations, the U.S. ranks around the middle of the pack. In the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), American 15-year-olds achieved an average reading literacy score of 504, slightly above the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) average of 476. However, top-performing countries like Singapore (543) and Finland (549) scored significantly higher, demonstrating more advanced literacy proficiency among their students. (nces.ed.gov)
Compared to Canada, Japan, and Germany—countries with strong literacy programs—the U.S. shows mixed results. Canada, which scored an average of 527 on the PISA reading assessment, attributes its success to a consistent national curriculum and a focus on early literacy interventions. Japan, with an average score of 520, places a high cultural emphasis on education and reading, supported by rigorous academic standards. Germany, scoring 508, has a robust vocational education system but also emphasizes reading fluency and comprehension in its early education policies. In contrast, U.S. literacy outcomes vary widely by state, reflecting disparities in educational funding and instructional methods.
One reason for the disparity is the approach to reading instruction. Many high-ranking countries emphasize a balanced literacy model that combines phonics with comprehension strategies, while also focusing heavily on early language development and family literacy initiatives. Countries such as Finland prioritize teacher quality by requiring advanced degrees and specialized training in literacy instruction. In contrast, the U.S. has struggled with adopting a consistent, evidence-based reading instruction approach, leading to varying results depending on state and district policies. (journal.imse.com)
Despite these differences, recent reforms in the U.S., such as the increasing adoption of the “Science of Reading” methodology, aim to close the gap by aligning more closely with evidence-based practices used in top-performing countries. If these efforts continue, future PISA assessments may reflect a stronger U.S. performance. Of course, no one literacy instruction method is perfect for all students. In fact, a balanced approach is the best way to reach a diverse population of learners. It may be time to consider extending reading instruction through middle school and into high school.
Trends in Reading Instruction
The landscape of reading instruction in the U.S. is evolving, with a growing emphasis on evidence-based methods aligned with the “Science of Reading.” This approach prioritizes systematic phonics instruction to build foundational reading skills. As of mid-2022, 29 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws or policies promoting evidence-based reading instruction.
Additionally, there’s a shift towards Structured Literacy, which offers explicit, systematic teaching of language structures. This method is particularly beneficial for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, ensuring that all learners have access to effective reading instruction.
Future Outlook of Literacy Instruction
Looking ahead, the focus on the Science of Reading is expected to intensify, with more states adopting policies that support this approach. Advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of cognitive processes involved in reading are likely to further refine instructional methods, aiming to close literacy gaps and enhance reading proficiency across diverse student populations.
Extending reading instruction into secondary schools is gaining attention as a strategy to bolster literacy skills among adolescents. In the United Kingdom, for instance, educational reforms have emphasized explicit teaching methods, including phonics, beyond primary education. This approach has contributed to improvements in literacy rates, with England ranking fourth in the 2022 international literacy rankings.
Similarly, countries like Australia have adopted direct instruction methods in secondary education, yielding significant improvements in literacy and numeracy, particularly for disadvantaged students. These methods prioritize clear, repetitive teaching techniques that help students grasp fundamental concepts more effectively.
Implementing sustained reading instruction throughout secondary education in the U.S. could address the plateau in literacy proficiency observed among older students. By adopting evidence-based teaching methods and extending literacy support beyond the early grades, there is potential to enhance reading skills and academic performance across the student population.
Final Thoughts on Reading Instruction in America
While the U.S. has made strides in improving literacy rates, significant challenges remain, especially when benchmarked against leading nations. The ongoing shift towards evidence-based reading instruction offers a promising avenue to address these challenges, ensuring that future generations possess the literacy skills essential for personal and national success.
Recommended Books on the Topic of Literacy Trends
Here are a few books on the topic of reading instruction. This list contains affiliate links to support the PurdyBooks blog.
• The Reading Mind: A Cognitive Approach to Understanding How the Mind Reads by Daniel T. Willingham – This book offers a perspective rooted in contemporary cognitive research, exploring the complex processes involved in reading.
• Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers by Louisa Cook Moats – Renowned literacy expert Louisa Cook Moats provides comprehensive information on the underpinnings of language instruction, essential for delivering successful structured literacy education.
• Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties by David A. Kilpatrick – This practical guide delves into reading assessment and intervention, discussing the nature and causes of reading difficulties to help educators accurately assess and address student struggles.
