Essay about Functional Literacy in High School Students

Functional Literacy in High School Students What is Functional Literacy? Prior to 1985, functional literacy was defined as the ability to read or write in English or another language. Standards for measuring one’s functional literacy have changed numerous times over the decades. In the 1930’s functional literacy meant having three or more years of school. During the WWII era, it meant completing a fourth grade education. The standards increased during the 1960’s. Literacy in this era meant that a person had completed an eighth grade education. During the 1970’s, the completion of a high school education meant that a person was functionally literate (Rose 2005). The National Literacy Act of 1991 and the Workforce†¦show more content†¦Computing and comparing the cost per ounce for food items. Individuals who operate at levels one and two function at a basic level of literacy performance. This categorizes them as functionally literate. Individuals, who operate at levels three and four function at a proficient level of literacy. 70 years ago an individual could operate in society with level one literacy performance, however, new ways of acquiring information and the evolution of new technologies has reshaped society. The skills that are necessary to be functionally literate in this era go beyond the skill of basic reading. Is it a Problem? Over the last 15 years in the United States there has been an increase in the number of high school students that have graduated at or below the basic level of functional literacy. The most common issue that teachers see in the classroom is that students can read words, but they are unable to comprehend what they have read. This gives the illusion of proficient literacy and struggling students go unnoticed. From 1992-2005 the percentage of high school seniors performing at or above the basic level in reading decreased from 80 % to 73 % (National Assessment of EducationalShow MoreRelatedThe Extent to Which Teachers Help Their EC Students in Regular Classroom Settings1647 Words   |  7 Pagestheir EC students in regular classroom settings. When speaking of EC students I am more addressing the ESL students. Literacy Before children learn to use language to let their needs and wants be known they first learn to read, how can a child communicate without the resources they need to express themselves before they have the skills needed to do so? Studies show how to overcome one challenging situation but there are people in the world who are faced with two adversities in life. 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