National Assessment of Adult Literacy

The 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) is a nationally representative evaluation of English reading and writing ability among American adults age 16 and older. The NAAL is the nation's most complete and thorough measure of adult literacy since the 1992 National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS).

NAAL Study

Key Concepts and Features of the 2003 NAAL
First Look at the Literacy of Adults in 21st Century

State & County Estimates

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released estimates of the percentage of adults lacking Basic Prose Literacy Skills (BPLS) for all states and counties in the United States in 2003 and 1992.

Florida County Low Literacy Estimates
Download Excel files:
1992 | 2003

FLC Press Release
One in Five Florida Adults Lacks Basic Literacy Skills

NCES Overview
State & County Estimates of Low Literacy

Additional Resources

FLC press release - Study Shows Millions of Americans Lack Basic Literacy Skills
ProLiteracy - Adult Literacy Facts