Low literacy refers to limited ability to read, write, and comprehend. Low-literacy adults may be able to read and understand signs, box labels, and simple texts, but they lack the reading, writing, and inferential skills that are necessary for educational advancement, which promotes access to health care, economic improvement, and civic contributions. Furthermore, low-literacy adults cannot provide literacy experiences in the home environment that lead to reading and academic achievement.
Approximately half of adults who are of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have low levels of literacy skills in English. These adults may have low literacy skills (1) because English is not their primary language, (2) due to limited educational opportunities in their primary language, or (3) because of unidentified language learning disabilities. Important predictors of a child’s reading and academic success are the literacy levels of the parents or guardians and the quantity and quality of literacy...
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Suggested Readings
Burgess, S. R., Hecht, S. A., & Lonigan, C. J. (2002). Relations of home-literacy environment (HLE) to the development of reading-related abilities: A one-year longitudinal study. Reading Research Quarterly, 37, 408–426.
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Suggested Resources
Caspe, M. (2003). Family literacy: A review of programs and critical perspectives. Retrieved September 10, 2010, from http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/family-literacy-a-review-of-programs-and-critical-perspectives
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Carreker, S. (2012). Low Literacy Level. In: Loue, S., Sajatovic, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Immigrant Health. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5659-0_474
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