Updated data on Adult Functional Literacy

In previous years there has been the ALLS (2004-2006) data and the IALS (1994-1998). They surveyed adult competencies in reading and understanding written information. The data collected from Australia indicated 46% of adult Australians had non- functional literacy. www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4228.0


This year, the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC)
will be released. It is based on 2011 - 2012 data collected from 25 countries, including Australia. The full report is planned for release on 8th October 2013, just prior to the International PLAIN conference in Vancouver, Canada. www.plain2013.org

The PIAAC survey focuses on the skills people need for success in the information age. It looks at the skills people use in their jobs, including:

• reading
• numeracy
• team work
• communication
• presentation skills
• information and technology skills.

 There are a number of websites you can visit to read further on this
 www.deewr.gov.au/programme-international-assessment-adult-competencies-piaac
www.oecd.org/site/piaac/#d.en.221854

In Norway, the Norwegian Agency for Lifelong Learning www.vox.no/no/global-meny/English/About-Vox/ has put together a PowerPoint on the current status of the PIAAC.  It is also worth checking out the PowerPoint, in how the agency has used the PowerPoint with less words and used many images to convey their message. www2.basicskills.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/25.05_Xeni-Dimakos_PIAAC.pdf

Contact Cathy to talk about how adults with non functional literacy in your workplace, or who visit your workplace can access information more meaningfully. cathy@accesseasyenglish.com.au

Cathy