U.S. Literacy Before and After the Department of Education
I. Introduction
Literacy has been a cornerstone of American education and social progress since the nation's founding. The establishment of the U.S. Department of Education in 1979 marked a significant milestone in federal involvement in education policy, though literacy rates had already achieved remarkable levels by this time.
II. Pre-Department of Education Era (1850-1979)
The period before the Department of Education's establishment saw steady improvements in literacy rates across the United States. This progress was particularly notable given the country's rapid expansion and demographic changes.
Historical Literacy Rates
The trajectory of literacy rates shows consistent improvement throughout this period:
In 1850, approximately 80% of white adults could read and write, though literacy rates among enslaved African Americans were significantly lower due to discriminatory laws prohibiting their education.
By 1870, the first comprehensive national literacy assessment indicated an overall rate of 80%.
The turn of the century saw literacy rates climb to 90%, largely due to widespread implementation of compulsory education laws.
1940 marked another milestone with 96% literacy according to Census data.
By 1979, just before the Department of Education's creation, the nation had achieved a remarkable 99% basic literacy rate.
Contributing Factors
Several key initiatives and policies drove this impressive progress:
Compulsory education laws, implemented state by state throughout the late 19th century, ensured widespread access to basic education.
The expansion of public libraries and civic literacy programs created opportunities for continuous learning and self-improvement.
The 1944 G.I. Bill dramatically increased access to higher education, particularly among returning World War II veterans.
III. Post-Department of Education Era (1980-Present)
The period following the Department of Education's establishment has been characterized by a shift in how literacy is measured and understood.
Evolution of Literacy Assessment
Modern literacy evaluation has moved beyond simple reading ability to assess functional literacy - the capacity to understand and use written information in daily life and work.
Major Studies and Findings
Several comprehensive studies have revealed concerning trends:
The 1992 National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) identified that 21-23% of adults (40-44 million Americans) possessed low literacy skills.
The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) found 14% of adults performing below basic literacy levels.
Most recently, the 2019 PIAAC assessment indicated that approximately 21% of U.S. adults still struggle with low literacy, showing little improvement from 1992.
IV. Modern Literacy Challenges
Contemporary literacy issues extend beyond basic reading ability:
Functional literacy gaps persist, with many adults struggling to comprehend complex texts and solve problems.
U.S. students' performance in international assessments has stagnated or declined.
Despite increased education funding, literacy improvements have been minimal.
Digital literacy has emerged as a crucial skill, presenting new challenges for many Americans.
V. Conclusion
While the United States maintains high basic literacy rates above 99%, functional literacy challenges remain significant. The Department of Education's creation, while important for centralizing education policy, has not led to substantial improvements in functional literacy rates. This suggests that new approaches may be needed to address modern literacy challenges effectively.
The persistence of literacy challenges, despite increased resources and attention, points to the complexity of the issue and the need for innovative solutions that address both traditional and digital literacy skills in the 21st century.