The traditional definition of literacy is the ability to use language, i.e. to read, write, listen and speak. In modern contexts, the word means reading and writing in a level adequate for written communication and generally a level that enables one to successfully function at certain levels of a society if that society is one in which literacy plays a role in providing access to power.
The standards for what level constitutes "literacy" vary among societies. Other skills such as computer skills or basic numeracy may also be included, as there are many people who cannot read letters but can read numbers, and even learn to use a computer (in a limited way) while remaining unable to read text. These and the increasing inclusion of sound, still and moving images and graphical elements in digitally based communication call for an even broader concept of literacy. (see: Literacy in the Information Age: Final Report of the International Adult Literacy Survey, OECD 2000. PDF). In Scotland for example, literacy has been defined as: "The ability to read and write and use numeracy, to handle information, to express ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, as family members, workers, citizens and lifelong learners." This definition embraces the Social Practice approach to literacies education and its impact on the "four areas of life" - personal life, family life, work life, community life and engages the "five core skills" - communication, numeracy, problem solving, working with others and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). Recently the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association have added "visually representing" to the list of communicative competences that are considered to constitute literacy.
Many policy analysts consider literacy rates a crucial measure of a region's human capital. This claim is made on the grounds that literate people can be trained less expensively than illiterate people. Policy makers also argue that literacy increases job opportunities and access to higher education. In Kerala, India, for example, female and child mortality rates declined dramatically in the 1960s, when girls schooled to literacy in the education reforms after 1948 began to raise families. Recent researchers, however, argue that correlations such as the one listed above may have more to do with the effects of schooling rather than literacy in general.
More on [ Literacy ]

ProLiteracy - Nonprofit international literacy organization based in Syracuse, New York, formed from the merger of Laubach Literacy International and Literacy Volunteers of America. Site provides reports on the state of literacy, information about projects and programs, and links to events, training, and resources.
ABC Canada - A national non-profit literacy organization, in partnership with business, labour, educators and government. The focus is on public awareness programs and helping the private sector to establish workplace basic education programs.
Adult and Continuing Education from About.Com - Extensive list of information selected by an adult education specialist; free email newsletters.
Meta Description: [ Adult and Continuing Education - info and resources for adult learners and educators. FOR ADULT STUDENTS - finish high school with the GED or online high school. Get a fast accredited degree with student success tips. Adult student stories, career development, self study and more. FOR ADULT E... ]
Adult Literacy and Technology Network - A national effort dedicated to finding solutions for using technology to enhance adult literacy.
America's Literacy Directory - Refers students and volunteers to literacy, GED, and English programs in their neighborhood. Provides detailed information about types of services, class times, program fees, and directions.
Meta Description: [ America's Literacy Directory is a national database of literacy programs available via the Internet and the National Institute for Literacy's toll-free number. The ALD connects employers, learners, volunteers, social service providers, and others to current information about literacy programs in ... ]
Australian Council for Adult Literacy - A community site that gives information about literacy projects, conferences and related publications in Australia.
Meta Description: [ The Australian Council for Adult Literacy Inc (ACAL) promotes issues regarding adult English language, literacy and numeracy policy and practice. We lead Australia in the development and promotion of adult literacy practice and policy ]
East Side Adult Education - The East Side Adult Education Program will provide a learning environment which fosters student success, encourages life-long education, and meets changing community needs.
Meta Description: [ East Side Adult Education Program will provide a learning environmnet which fosters student success, encourages life-long education, and meets changing community needs. ]
Eureka! - Resource for adult basic education instructors. Search a lesson database by topic or program type and discover lessons that have been used successfully by instructors with their students.
Exploring Adult Literacy - Evolving electronic peer-reviewed journal intended for adult literacy practitioners in adult basic education, family literacy and workplace literacy. Provides practical, but research-based short articles on new ideas in the field as well as position papers, lesson plans, reviews, and an interactive forum for adult literacy providers.
Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council - Nonprofit agency providing literacy programs for adults and out-of-school young adults in western Pennsylvania.
Meta Description: [ Nonprofit Literacy agency providing reading, writing, English, math, computer skills and workplace skills to adults and their families ]
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International Literacy Explorer - An overview of literacy issues in an international context. Useful for teachers, policy makers, researchers.
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Literacy Council of Jefferson County - Provides free tutoring services to Jefferson County, Washington, USA residents with low literacy skills.
Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles - An organization that promotes adult, family and workplace literacy efforts in greater Los Angeles through networking.
Literacy Online - Literacy Online is cosponsored by the International Literacy Institute and the National Center on Adult Literacy, and hosted at the University of Pennsylvania. Literacy Online is dedicated to providing useful information concerning literacy for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners worldwide.
Meta Description: [ LITERACY.org TM,cosponsored by the
International Literacy Institute and the National Center on Adult Literacyand hosted at
the University of Pennsylvania, is dedicated to providing useful information concerning
literacy for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners world... ]
Literacy Resources - Rhode Island - The Swearer Center for Public Service, Literacy Resources, Rhode Island Campus.
Meta Description: [ The Swearer Center for Public Service has fostered relationships with Providence civic groups such as Literacy Resources, Rhode Island Campus Compact, and others, The Swearer Center for Public Service has fostered relationships with Providence civic groups such as Literacy Resources, Rhode Island... ]
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Literacy Services of Wisconsin - Offering free adult basic education tutoring, provides adults instruction in reading, writing, GED/ high school equivalency test preparation and English as a second language.
Meta Description: [ Offering free adult basic education tutoring in Milwaukee since 1965. We provide adults instruction in reading, writing, GED/ high school equivalency test preparation and English as a second language. We also offer a family literacy program for the children of our students, and a computer learnin... ]
Literacy Volunteers of America - Rhode Island - Rhode Island affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of America, a national nonprofit organization.
Meta Description: [ Literacy Volunteers of Rhode Island is a statewide clearinghouse for literacy information and referrals for adult literacy programs. We provide training & information services to six LV of RI community literacy programs in Rhode Island and raise funds that help support critical services to volun... ]
Literacy Volunteers of Fauquier County - A nonprofit organization, working to eradicate illiteracy in this community.
LiteracyLink - For adult students and their teachers, LiteracyLink offers online GED modules, and information about the PBS Workplace Essential Skills series.
Maryland Adult Literacy Resource Center - Maryland Adult Literacy Resource Center: resources and information for adult literacy providers and students in Maryland.
Mercy Learning Center - Providing literacy and life-skills training to low-income women in Bridgeport, CT, through one-on-one Tutoring and full-time, classroom-based Intensive Study
Meta Description: [ providing literacy and life-skills training to low-income women in Bridgeport, CT, through one-on-one Tutoring and full-time, classroom-based Intensive Study, to prepare participants to enter the job market, a GED or job training program ]
Miami Valley Literacy Council - Contact information for the primary volunteer-based literacy provider in the Miami Valley (Dayton, Ohio region).
Meta Description: [ MVLC - The Miami Valley Literacy Council ]
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National Adult Literacy Agency - Ireland's national adult literacy site with links to resources, local contacts, literacy tools, press releases, and notices for conferences, publications and related concerns.
National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) - NALD is Canada's adult literacy information network. NALD is the one-stop centre for information on adult literacy programs, resources, services and activities in Canada. NALD also provides links with other services and databases across North America and overseas. Bilingual: English French
Meta Description: [ The National Adult Literacy Database Inc. (NALD) is a federally incorporated, non-profit service organization which fills the crucial need
for a single-source, comprehensive, up-to-date and easily accessible database of adult literacy programs, resources, services and activities across Canada. ... ]
National Assessments of Adult Literacy - Provides statistics and figures on adult literacy rates, and current as well as projected trends in literacy education.
Meta Description: [ What is NAAL? The NCES will conduct the National Assessments of Adult Literacy (NAAL) in 2002. It will assess the current status of the English-language literacy skills of adults in the U.S., as well as indicate how literacy proficiencies have changed over time. ]
National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy - Disseminates research and best practices in the adult basic education field to practitioners, scholars, and policy makers. Includes teaching materials and teacher training materials, as well as scholarship information for doctoral programs.
Meta Description: [ NCSALL is NCSALL's efforts are dedicated to an important purpose: improving practice in educational programs that serve adults with limited literacy and English language skills, and those without a high school diploma. The National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) both... ]
National Institute for Literacy - Descriptions of and pointers to the programs, services, activities, publications, and legislative efforts of this independent federal agency that links the literacy field to state and federal lawmakers.
Meta Description: [ The National Institute for Literacy serves as a national resource for adult education and literacy programs, coordinates literacy services and policy, and provides leadership for literacy in the United States. The Institute disseminates information on scientifically based reading research pertain... ]
Nebraska Literacy - One of 12 state resource centers that make up the Midwest Adult Literacy Information System. (With support from the National Institute for Literacy).
Northwest Regional Literacy Resource Center - Resource for practitioners in the field of adult literacy, basic skills and English as a Second Language.
OTAN - The Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) is a California state site with technical assistance, communication linkages, and electronic resources for the adult education and literacy practitioner.
Meta Description: [ OTAN, adult education and literacy providers support services including electronic collaboration, access to information, and technical assistance ]
Rhode Island Workforce Literacy Collaborative - Unified effort to provide information about adult literacy programs, events, and resources throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
Richardson Adult Literacy Center - Richardson Texas Adult Literacy Center uses the Laubach method of teaching English as a second language. Includes tips for tutors.
Meta Description: [ Adult Literacy Center in Richardson Texas that teaches English as a Second Language. ]
St. James ESL Program - St. James ESL Program is a non-sectarian, non-profit, volunteer and community-based organization that provides English and other instruction to adult refugees and low-income immigrants in Seattle, Washington
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The Adult Literacy of Boston - A Joint effort of Roxbury Community College and the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Provides definitions, FAQs, and links to other literacy information.
The Caribbean Regional Council for Adult Education (CARCAE) - CARCAE, established in 1978 as the umbrella agency for Adult Education in the Dutch, English, French and Papiamento-speaking Caribbean. National Adult Education Associations and individual members working in a wide variety of social spheres.
Meta Description: [ The Caribbean Regional Council for Adult Education is the umbrella body for Adult Education Associations in the Caribbean ]
The Ohio Literacy Resource Center - Provides support, training and resources for practitioners who work with adult literacy students in the state of Ohio.
Meta Description: [ The Ohio Literacy Resource Center (OLRC), located at Kent State University, originated as a result of the National Literacy Act of 1991. The OLRC is funded primarily through the Ohio Department of Education Division of Career-Technical and Adult Education and the National Institute for Literacy t... ]
Welcome to the Literacy Center' - Attleboro, Massachusetts training and support services.
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Women Expanding: Literacy Education Action Resource Network - Promotes literacy and literature for all women and maintains a resource list of women-centered adult basic English literacy materials.
| SBC Seychelles: Survey on Adult Literacy Rate 02-08-09 | |
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