Glossary of Terms

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 defines literacy as "an individual's ability to read, write, speak in English, compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual and in society."
People often think of literacy in terms of just reading and writing, but there are many aspects of literacy that are broader than just the basic skills. These include health literacy, workforce literacy, financial literacy, computer literacy, family literacy, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

The Changing Definition of Literacy

(Sources: NAAL 2003; UNESCO's International Literacy Statistics 1950-2000. Smyth, 2005)"

A Literate adult has...
1865	The ability to sign or mark one's name.
1900	The ability to do basic reading, writing and calculations
1950	The ability to read and write with understanding a short, simple statement about one's own life.
2000	The ability to use printed and written information to function in society, achieve one's goals, and develop one's knowledge and potential.
2006	Adequate information literacy, health literacy, computer/digital literacy, quantitative, and workplace literacy to manage one's life, health, and family.