"Functional illiteracy refers to the inability of an individual to use reading, speaking, writing, and computational skills in everyday life situations. For example, a functionally illiterate adult is unable to fill out an employment application, follow written instructions, or read a newspaper. In short, when confronted with printed materials, adults without basic literacy skills cannot function effectively." Statistics make it clear that illiteracy is on the increase in the United States. The Office of Technology Assessment stated in a report: "Standards and requirements for literacy have increased over time and a large number of adults need to improve their literacy skills. OTA finds that at least 35 million adults have difficulty with common literacy tasks. Although many of these adults can read at rudimentary levels, they need higher levels of literacy to function effectively in society, to find employment, or to be trained for new jobs as the workplace changes." The report went on to say that "fewer than 10% of the population in need is being reached." .
Functional illiteracy is a rising problem throughout the world.
Throughout most of history, most people have been illiterate. For example, in past society, the ability to read and write was of value only to the clergy and aristocracy. The first known reference to "literate laymen" did not appear until the end of the fourteenth century. It wasn't until the fifteenth century, when printing was invented, that illiteracy was seen as problem. The first significant drop in illiteracy came with the Reformation when the translation of the Bible became a part of the people's everyday language and Protestant converts were taught to read it. Revolutionary political movements from the eighteenth to the twentieth century generally included an attack on illiteracy as one of their goals.
Up until the early part of the twentieth century, children were taught to read first by learning the alphabet, then the sounds of each letter, how they blended into syllables, and how those syllables made up words.
